EU backs 46 critical raw materials projects to counter supply risks

The short version

• The European Union is backing 46 strategic projects with a funding cost of €21bn to boost supplies of critical raw materials by 2030, according to industry commissioner Stéphane Séjourné.[The Guardian]
• EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič continued discussions in Beijing focused on reducing China's £1bn-a-day trade surplus with the bloc.[The Guardian]
• Planned operations include the Carester rare earths facility in France slated for late 2026, though previous strategic ventures like Viridian Lithium collapsed into liquidation earlier this year.[The Guardian]

Key facts

• The EU is supporting 46 strategic projects to bolster critical raw materials supplies by 2030, according to industry commissioner Stéphane Séjourné.[The Guardian]
• The total funding cost for the newly backed critical materials projects stands at €21bn.[The Guardian]
• Trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič carried on negotiations in Beijing seeking to cut China's £1bn-a-day trade surplus with the EU.[The Guardian]
• The Carester rare earths facility near Pau in southwestern France is projected to begin operating in late 2026.[The Guardian]
• Viridian Lithium, a French refiner granted EU strategic status in 2025, entered judicial liquidation in March.[The Guardian]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• EU ‘pulling out all stops’ with minerals projects as it tries to avert China trade warThe Guardian - World