Today… European-American discussions in Washington regarding rare earths
European officials go to The United States on Wednesday, hoping to reach an agreement with the administration of President Donald Trump regarding European Commission: "We must be careful with Washington not to compete for the same resources, and when we work on the same projects we must find ways for mutual integration."
The European Commission also hopes to correct the course after the crisis over the island of Greenland, which the US President included in his circle of targets.
A joint declaration before the agreement
With regard to rare earths, the European Union initially aspires to a joint declaration with Washington that precedes any official agreement.
During the Corona crisis, Europe realized the extent to which its supply networks were affected by its need for sensitive raw materials imported from China.
It has since been seeking to find new partners, and it has been previously mentioned. It has concluded agreements with Japan, Australia, and Canada.
Rare minerals are essential mineral components for several economic sectors, especially the automobile industry, renewable energy, digital technologies, and defense. These elements are used in the manufacture of strong magnets, catalysts, and electronic components.
Chinese dominance over strategic minerals
China owns the largest portion of the reserves of these minerals, and exercises similar dominance over some strategic minerals, such as gallium used in semiconductors.
Two years ago, Europe passed a law It aims to secure its supplies.
The European Union appears stuck between China, which has tightened restrictions on its exports of rare earths, and the United States, which is negotiating comprehensive bilateral agreements to secure its supplies.
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