EU risks falling behind US in critical mineral race

critical minerals rare earth metals supply chain security EU industrial policy US mineral investment

European industry leaders and officials are warning that the European Union is falling behind the United States in the race to secure critical minerals. This competition is driven by the need to counter Chinese dominance in components essential for green technology and defense industries.

Industry representatives, including Bernd Schaefer of EIT RawMaterials, have criticized the EU's approach, citing excessive administration and slow decision-making. While the EU and its member states have allocated approximately €6 billion to strategic mineral projects, industry voices describe the financial support as disappointing compared to American efforts.

In contrast, the United States has taken aggressive steps, including announcing roughly $40 billion in funding for mineral projects since 2022. The Pentagon has also directly invested in domestic companies, such as a $400 million investment in MP Materials. Furthermore, the US is expanding its reach through international partnerships, recently signing a memorandum with Armenia to cooperate on the exploitation and processing of rare earth elements.

Entities

China · EIT RawMaterials · European Union · MP Materials · United States

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The US and Armenia signed a memorandum in Yerevan regarding the exploitation and processing of critical minerals. www.politika.rs
[● 2 SOURCES] The EU and its member states have allocated approximately €6 billion to mineral-related projects this year. financije.hr · www.politika.rs
[● 3 SOURCES] European industry leaders claim the EU is losing ground to the US due to excessive administration and hesitation. www.pressen.se · financije.hr · www.politika.rs
[● 2 SOURCES] The US has announced approximately $40 billion in investments for mineral projects since 2022. financije.hr · www.politika.rs
[○ 1 SOURCE] The European Court of Auditors warned that many of the 75 strategic projects may not meet EU 2030 targets. www.politika.rs
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Pentagon invested $400 million in MP Materials during the summer of 2025, acquiring a 15 percent stake. www.politika.rs

Sources

EU halkar efter USA i kampen om kritiska mineraler - Pressen. se [www.pressen.se]

21 days ago

EU sve više zaostaje i za SAD-om, ne samo za Kinom, u utrci za ključnim mineralima [financije.hr]

19 days ago

Европа губи корак за САД у борби за стратешке минерале [www.politika.rs]

21 days ago