Beijing’s New Measures Stir Concern Across the EU
The European Union is preparing a collective strategy after China tightened its export rules on critical minerals vital to modern industries. The policy update, published under Announcement No. 61, adds several rare-earth elements—among them europium, holmium, thulium, erbium, and ytterbium—to its list of restricted exports. Following a meeting of trade ministers on 14 October 2025, EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič announced that member states would coordinate closely with G7 partners to defend Europe’s economic security and prevent disruption to key manufacturing sectors.
China’s Grip on Supply Chains Underscores Europe’s Vulnerability
Beijing’s dominant position in rare-earth refining, responsible for over 80 percent of global output, places Europe in a precarious position as it pushes forward with its energy transition and technological expansion. The new restrictions, scheduled to take effect on 1 December 2025, could strain access to raw materials essential for electric vehicles, renewable power equipment, and defence applications. Economists warn that the move exposes the fragility of European supply chains, prompting calls for greater investment in recycling initiatives, local production, and partnerships with resource-rich nations in Africa and northern Europe.
EU Weighs Legal Options and Allied Coordination Before Taking Action
Brussels is opting for a measured approach focused on diplomacy and multilateral cooperation rather than rapid retaliation. Officials are evaluating potential cases under World Trade Organization rules and consulting with allies in the United States, Japan, and Canada to align their positions. Denmark’s foreign minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, who currently heads the EU Council presidency, described the situation as “a moment that demands unity and strategic foresight from Europe.” The European Commission is expected to present a coordinated response plan before the end of the year, combining short-term resilience measures with long-term efforts to reduce reliance on Chinese-supplied minerals.
