{"id":2127560,"date":"2026-09-04T08:32:27","date_gmt":"2026-09-04T05:32:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2127560"},"modified":"2026-09-04T08:32:27","modified_gmt":"2026-09-04T05:32:27","slug":"eu-budget-offers-chance-to-loosen-chinas-grip-on-critical-raw-materials-for-europe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2127560","title":{"rendered":"EU budget offers chance to loosen China&#8217;s grip on critical raw materials for Europe"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/88\/62\/85\/1200x675_cmsv2_363b1043-05c9-549a-8bc6-c84d02e6a70b-9886285.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2922853-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2922853\" data-cid=\"9900176\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2922853-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/01\/76\/189x106_cmsv2_8e09a185-0849-5951-b076-b6a9499b143c-9900176.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A young man looks frustrated while working on his laptop in a modern home office.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Tech News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    NERDs: The Gen Zers who believe they will never be able to retire\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923061-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2923061\" data-cid=\"9901182\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923061-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/11\/82\/189x106_cmsv2_da2892f2-16ba-5c49-9eae-b35bc04b7500-9901182.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Vsevolod CHENTSOV, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, at the Informal General Affairs Council in Ireland on 4 September 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Frontloading EU loan not a &#8216;silver bullet&#8217; for Ukraine, Chentsov says\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2922833-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2922833\" data-cid=\"9900655\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2922833-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/00\/38\/189x106_cmsv2_68bfeb50-a226-5f18-adc5-f811a9e8f45b-9900038.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"uropean Union flags flap in the wind as pedestrians walk by EU headquarters in Brussels (AP Photo\/Virginia Mayo, \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \"><span class=\"c-article-title__prefix--grey\">Euroviews. <\/span><\/p>\n<p>    EU sanctions: a person must never be merely a means to an end\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923050-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2923050\" data-cid=\"9901195\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923050-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/11\/35\/189x106_cmsv2_c2213856-e26e-54f6-a2d9-9e1e9a825b77-9901135.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"microscope image showing a nanoPET with magnetic nanoparticles\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Tech News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    CSIC develops magnetic &#8220;nanoflowers&#8221; to capture and convert water nanoplastics\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2922853-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2922853\" data-cid=\"9900176\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2922853-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/01\/76\/189x106_cmsv2_8e09a185-0849-5951-b076-b6a9499b143c-9900176.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A young man looks frustrated while working on his laptop in a modern home office.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Tech News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    NERDs: The Gen Zers who believe they will never be able to retire\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923061-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2923061\" data-cid=\"9901182\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923061-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/11\/82\/189x106_cmsv2_da2892f2-16ba-5c49-9eae-b35bc04b7500-9901182.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Vsevolod CHENTSOV, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, at the Informal General Affairs Council in Ireland on 4 September 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Frontloading EU loan not a &#8216;silver bullet&#8217; for Ukraine, Chentsov says\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2922833-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2922833\" data-cid=\"9900655\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2922833-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/00\/38\/189x106_cmsv2_68bfeb50-a226-5f18-adc5-f811a9e8f45b-9900038.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"uropean Union flags flap in the wind as pedestrians walk by EU headquarters in Brussels (AP Photo\/Virginia Mayo, \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \"><span class=\"c-article-title__prefix--grey\">Euroviews. <\/span><\/p>\n<p>    EU sanctions: a person must never be merely a means to an end\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923050-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2923050\" data-cid=\"9901195\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923050-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/11\/35\/189x106_cmsv2_c2213856-e26e-54f6-a2d9-9e1e9a825b77-9901135.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"microscope image showing a nanoPET with magnetic nanoparticles\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Tech News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    CSIC develops magnetic &#8220;nanoflowers&#8221; to capture and convert water nanoplastics\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Europe<\/p>\n<p>                          Europe News<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\"><span class=\"c-article-title__prefix--grey\">Euroviews. <\/span><br \/>\n            EU budget offers chance to loosen China&#8217;s grip on critical raw materials for Europe<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-controller=\"video-player\" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/88\/62\/85\/1536x864_cmsv2_363b1043-05c9-549a-8bc6-c84d02e6a70b-9886285.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"Refined tellurium 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              Refined tellurium 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">AP Photo<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0AP Photo\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbsp<b>Nora K\u00fcrzd\u00f6rfer, Senior Researcher at the Munich Security Conference<\/b><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1788510747\">\n                    Published on                 <time datetime=\"2026-09-04 10:32:27 +02:00\">04\/09\/2026 &#8211; 10:32 GMT+2<\/time><span class=\"c-article-publication-date__bullet\">\u2022<\/span>Updated<br \/>\n                                     <time datetime=\"11:03\">11:03<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay js-c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-share-comment-popup\" class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup js-c-article-share-comment-popup\">\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__header u-display-flex\"><span>Share<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-close.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"Close Button\" class=\"u-cursor-pointer js-c-article-share-comment-close\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content u-display-flex\">\n<div id=\"share-comment-popup-content-container\" class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__container u-display-flex\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"facebook\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Facebook<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"facebook\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"twitter\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Twitter<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"twitter\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-flipboard.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"flipboard\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Flipboard<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-flipboard.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"flipboard\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-send.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"send\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Send<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-send.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"send\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-reddit.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"reddit\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Reddit<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-reddit.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"reddit\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-linkedin.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"linkedin\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Linkedin<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-linkedin.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"linkedin\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-messenger.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"messenger\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Messenger<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-messenger.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"messenger\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"telegram\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Telegram<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"telegram\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"vk\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>VK<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"vk\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"bluesky\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Bluesky<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"bluesky\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-disclaimer\">\n        The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not represent in any way the editorial position of Euronews.\n            <\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        The EU says it wants to break its dependence on China for critical raw materials (CRM)\u2014the next MFF (Multiannual Financial Framework) will test whether Brussels is serious about its sovereignty, argues Nora K\u00fcrzd\u00f6rfer at the Munich Security Conference.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>As Brussels enters the final stretch of negotiations over its next seven-year Multiannual Financial Framework, hidden within the budget debate is a strategic question: whether the EU is willing to invest in the partnerships and processing capacity needed to secure the critical raw materials on which its industrial future depends. <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Decisions taken this autumn will help determine whether the EU remains dependent on Chinese-controlled processing technology well into the next decade or begins its diversification towards new and trusted partners.<\/p>\n<p>The EU\u2019s ability to secure access to rare earths, lithium, cobalt, and other critical raw materials, as well as their processed forms, will be a key determinant of whether it can achieve major strategic objectives: electrifying and decarbonizing the European economy, strengthening its defense capabilities, and advancing its digital and AI industries. <\/p>\n<p>Heads of state and government should not lose sight of the substantial investments required to build secure and resilient CRM (Critical Raw Material) value chains, as they enter difficult negotiations over national financial contributions<\/p>\n<p>Reaching an agreement on the 2028-2034 common budget before the end of this year is more than a procedural milestone. It would ensure that the necessary legislation can be adopted in 2027 and that funding becomes available from January 2028 onward.<\/p>\n<h2>Strategic dependencies<\/h2>\n<p>The urgency of boosting EU investment in partnerships around critical raw materials is compounded by the fact that reducing dependence on Chinese processing and refining will not come cheap. China\u2019s control over processing and refining remains overwhelming.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\" id=\"abe-article-related-1\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Arctic emerges as new front in EU\u2019s effort to cut dependence on Chinese critical raw materials<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p> It dominates rare-earth separation, graphite processing, cobalt sulfate production, and large segments of nickel refining. Recent export restrictions highlighted how vulnerable European industries remain when supply is concentrated in a single country. <\/p>\n<p>The issue is unlikely to become less pressing this autumn. <\/p>\n<p>Beijing\u2019s temporary suspension of expanded export controls is set to expire in mid-November, just weeks after the EU and China aim to conclude trade talks addressing rows over critical raw materials and the broader deterioration of bilateral relations. <\/p>\n<h2>Partners have goals too<\/h2>\n<p>Whatever the outcome of those negotiations, the strategic lesson for Brussels is clear: as China increasingly weaponizes its dominance of critical raw material value chains &#8211; and the United States can no longer be regarded as a fully reliable partner either &#8211; the EU needs alternative partners. <\/p>\n<p>This need for diversification pushed the EU to deepen its engagement with resource-rich countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, where most of the world\u2019s critical raw material deposits are found.<\/p>\n<p>These resource-rich countries have made their expectations clear: they want investment in local processing, technology transfer, and a fairer sharing of financial risks rather than being confined to the role of raw material suppliers. <\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\" id=\"abe-article-related-2\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Critical minerals production expands as global demand rises<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>Economics make their case compelling. For instance, the value of globally traded cobalt ore amounts to only a few hundred million dollars annually, while the batteries and electric vehicles built upon it generate value measured in the hundreds of billions. <\/p>\n<p>It is little wonder that producing countries increasingly refuse to remain stuck at the lowest-value stage of the supply chain and seek a larger share of that value at home. <\/p>\n<h2>Contradictions too difficult to ignore<\/h2>\n<p>In its 2024 Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), the EU acknowledged this demand and committed itself to supporting industrial development in partner countries. Yet the EU\u2019s flagship projects in the Global South illustrate just how much remains to be done.<\/p>\n<p>Of the six strategic projects designated under the CRMA in Brazil, Kazakhstan, Madagascar, Malawi, South Africa, and Zambia, four remain focused on extraction, with processing taking place abroad, in some cases in Europe itself. <\/p>\n<p>The two projects that do include local processing are both behind schedule and awaiting the capital and technical support they were promised. <\/p>\n<p>The contradiction is difficult to ignore. Brussels speaks of promoting local value addition, yet its project portfolio continues to reflect a traditional extractive model: raw materials are mined abroad and processed elsewhere. The gap between rhetoric and delivery risks undermining the EUs credibility as a long-term industrial partner.<\/p>\n<h2>A chance to be seized<\/h2>\n<p>This is where the next MFF becomes decisive. <\/p>\n<p>If the new Global Europe instrument, the EUs principal financial vehicle for international partnerships, provides dedicated funding for processing capacity in partner countries, CRM projects would no longer need to compete with a wide range of external priorities. <\/p>\n<p>Brussels would then have a credible chance to close the gap between promises and delivery. <\/p>\n<p>Equally important, it could establish a model for the EUs broader CRM engagement across the Global South, from Global Gateway initiatives and strategic partnerships to future trade agreements. <\/p>\n<p>The sums involved will be substantial. Building processing facilities, supporting technology transfer, and sharing investment risks with partner countries is far more extensive than simply importing raw materials. <\/p>\n<p>But that is precisely the point. Escaping China\u2019s grip on CRM value chains comes at a price. The question is whether Europe is willing to pay it. <\/p>\n<p>If the answer is yes, the rewards are considerable. Resource-rich partners would gain the industrial upgrading they increasingly demand, while the EU would secure more resilient value chains and gradually reduce its dependence on Chinese processing and refining. <\/p>\n<p>While China will remain an indispensable player in many CRM value chains for years to come, the objective should be to build a broader processing base across partner countries, leaving the EU and its partners less vulnerable to disruptions in the longer term. Both sides would stand to benefit.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\" id=\"abe-article-related-3\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">The hidden backbone of the EU&#8217;s rearmament: Securing critical raw materials<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>If the answer is no, the outcome is equally clear. Without revised funding mechanisms, CRM projects will remain chronically underfinanced and resource-rich partners will continue to look elsewhere, most likely to China. <\/p>\n<p>The EU will keep talking about diversification while remaining dependent on precisely the value chains it seeks to escape. The MFF offers a chance to break that cycle. <\/p>\n<p>Brussels should seize it. <\/p>\n<p><em>Nora K\u00fcrzd\u00f6rfer is a Senior Researcher at the Munich Security Conference (MSC), where she leads the MSC Geoeconomics Project Beyond Lose-Lose, funded by Stiftung Mercator, and specializes in the nexus of economic and security policy.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>She is also a NextGen Associate Fellow at the NATO Defense College in Rome and holds a PhD from the Hertie School.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  China must deliver concrete results by October or face \u2018harsher measures\u2019, EU trade chief tells Euronews<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  EU climate chief warns China dependence will make EU\u2019s green transition more costly<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Hoekstra: China isn&#8217;t playing by the rules on trade<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Lithium<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Euroviews<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Raw material<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  China<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Global South<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Security<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2922900-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922900\" data-cid=\"9900577\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2922900-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/05\/77\/320x180_cmsv2_73ae0399-be98-54be-9925-ce2e70f828cc-9900577.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Sergii Marchenko, Ukrainian Finance Minister\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ukraine finance chief warns of tightest budget since war started<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2923061-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923061\" data-cid=\"9901182\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923061-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/11\/82\/320x180_cmsv2_da2892f2-16ba-5c49-9eae-b35bc04b7500-9901182.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Vsevolod CHENTSOV, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, at the Informal General Affairs Council in Ireland on 4 September 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Frontloading EU loan not a &#8216;silver bullet&#8217; for Ukraine, Chentsov says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2923000-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923000\" data-cid=\"9900892\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923000-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/08\/92\/320x180_cmsv2_c5dc8e00-6f1e-5c9c-b589-6a045947264b-9900892.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Mount Tumbledown stands tall behind Stanley on the Falkland Islands, also known as Islas Malvinas, March 16, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    UK reaffirms &#8216;unshakeable&#8217; commitment to Falklands after Milei remarks<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2923033-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923033\" data-cid=\"9901058\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923033-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/10\/58\/320x180_cmsv2_c269f20a-206f-5ccb-b4d9-8e0fc2da3a10-9901058.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A firefighter walks among debris at a destroyed pharmaceutical warehouse following Russian drone attacks on the outskirts of Kyiv, 3 September, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Russia shifts tactics with round-the-clock air strikes on Kyiv<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2922589-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922589\" data-cid=\"9898820\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2922589-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/53\/36\/91\/320x180_cmsv2_6c178793-bebf-5b52-957a-e2148cd0d607-9533691.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Over 50% of workers say AI makes them look more experienced than they are\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Workers say AI makes them look more skilled than they are, study finds<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-2\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2922769-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922769\" data-cid=\"9899705\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Norway seizes Russian ship over Ukraine&#8217;s $4.2bn Crimea claim<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">2<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2922552-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922552\" data-cid=\"9898630\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Netherlands moves 86 tonnes of gold from US and Canada to UK<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">3<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2922768-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922768\" data-cid=\"9899704\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    China demands France scrap fast fashion law targeting Shein and Temu<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2922578-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922578\" data-cid=\"9898768\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Why so many countries want to join the EU, except Europe\u2019s richest<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">5<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2922523-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922523\" data-cid=\"9898540\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Europe&#8217;s most charitable countries: Where do people give the most?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-3\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2922900-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922900\" data-cid=\"9900577\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2922900-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/05\/77\/320x180_cmsv2_73ae0399-be98-54be-9925-ce2e70f828cc-9900577.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Sergii Marchenko, Ukrainian Finance Minister\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ukraine finance chief warns of tightest budget since war started<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923061-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923061\" data-cid=\"9901182\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923061-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/11\/82\/320x180_cmsv2_da2892f2-16ba-5c49-9eae-b35bc04b7500-9901182.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Vsevolod CHENTSOV, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, at the Informal General Affairs Council in Ireland on 4 September 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Frontloading EU loan not a &#8216;silver bullet&#8217; for Ukraine, Chentsov says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923000-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923000\" data-cid=\"9900892\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923000-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/08\/92\/320x180_cmsv2_c5dc8e00-6f1e-5c9c-b589-6a045947264b-9900892.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Mount Tumbledown stands tall behind Stanley on the Falkland Islands, also known as Islas Malvinas, March 16, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    UK reaffirms &#8216;unshakeable&#8217; commitment to Falklands after Milei remarks<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923033-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923033\" data-cid=\"9901058\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923033-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/10\/58\/320x180_cmsv2_c269f20a-206f-5ccb-b4d9-8e0fc2da3a10-9901058.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A firefighter walks among debris at a destroyed pharmaceutical warehouse following Russian drone attacks on the outskirts of Kyiv, 3 September, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Russia shifts tactics with round-the-clock air strikes on Kyiv<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2922589-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922589\" data-cid=\"9898820\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2922589-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/53\/36\/91\/320x180_cmsv2_6c178793-bebf-5b52-957a-e2148cd0d607-9533691.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Over 50% of workers say AI makes them look more experienced than they are\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Workers say AI makes them look more skilled than they are, study finds<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2922769-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922769\" data-cid=\"9899705\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Norway seizes Russian ship over Ukraine&#8217;s $4.2bn Crimea claim<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2922552-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922552\" data-cid=\"9898630\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Netherlands moves 86 tonnes of gold from US and Canada to UK<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2922768-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922768\" data-cid=\"9899704\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    China demands France scrap fast fashion law targeting Shein and Temu<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2922578-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922578\" data-cid=\"9898768\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Why so many countries want to join the EU, except Europe\u2019s richest<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2922523-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922523\" data-cid=\"9898540\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Europe&#8217;s most charitable countries: Where do people give the most?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">As Brussels enters the final stretch of negotiations over its next seven-year Multiannual Financial Framework, hidden within the budget debate is a strategic question: whether the EU is willing to invest in the partnerships and processing capacity needed to secure the critical raw materials on which its industrial future depends.Decisions taken this autumn will help determine whether the EU remains dependent on Chinese-controlled processing technology well into the next decade or begins its diversification towards new and trusted partners.The EU\u2019s ability to secure access to rare earths, lithium, cobalt, and other critical raw materials, as well as their processed forms, will be a key determinant of whether it can achieve major strategic objectives: electrifying and decarbonizing the European economy, strengthening its defense capabilities, and advancing its digital and AI industries.Heads of state and government should not lose sight of the substantial investments required to build secure and resilient CRM (Critical Raw Material) value chains, as they enter difficult negotiations over national financial contributionsReaching an agreement on the 2028-2034 common budget before the end of this year is more than a procedural milestone. It would ensure that the necessary legislation can be adopted in 2027 and that funding becomes available from January 2028 onward.Strategic dependenciesThe urgency of boosting EU investment in partnerships around critical raw materials is compounded by the fact that reducing dependence on Chinese processing and refining will not come cheap. China\u2019s control over processing and refining remains overwhelming.It dominates rare-earth separation, graphite processing, cobalt sulfate production, and large segments of nickel refining. Recent export restrictions highlighted how vulnerable European industries remain when supply is concentrated in a single country.The issue is unlikely to become less pressing this autumn.Beijing\u2019s temporary suspension of expanded export controls is set to expire in mid-November, just weeks after the EU and China aim to conclude trade talks addressing rows over critical raw materials and the broader deterioration of bilateral relations.Partners have goals tooWhatever the outcome of those negotiations, the strategic lesson for Brussels is clear: as China increasingly weaponizes its dominance of critical raw material value chains &#8211; and the United States can no longer be regarded as a fully reliable partner either &#8211; the EU needs alternative partners.This need for diversification pushed the EU to deepen its engagement with resource-rich countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, where most of the world\u2019s critical raw material deposits are found.These resource-rich countries have made their expectations clear: they want investment in local processing, technology transfer, and a fairer sharing of financial risks rather than being confined to the role of raw material suppliers.Economics make their case compelling. For instance, the value of globally traded cobalt ore amounts to only a few hundred million dollars annually, while the batteries and electric vehicles built upon it generate value measured in the hundreds of billions.It is little wonder that producing countries increasingly refuse to remain stuck at the lowest-value stage of the supply chain and seek a larger share of that value at home.Contradictions too difficult to ignoreIn its 2024 Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), the EU acknowledged this demand and committed itself to supporting industrial development in partner countries. Yet the EU\u2019s flagship projects in the Global South illustrate just how much remains to be done.Of the six strategic projects designated under the CRMA in Brazil, Kazakhstan, Madagascar, Malawi, South Africa, and Zambia, four remain focused on extraction, with processing taking place abroad, in some cases in Europe itself.The two projects that do include local processing are both behind schedule and awaiting the capital and technical support they were promised.The contradiction is difficult to ignore. Brussels speaks of promoting local value addition, yet its project portfolio continues to reflect a traditional extractive model: raw materials are mined abroad and processed elsewhere. The gap between rhetoric and delivery risks undermining the EUs credibility as a long-term industrial partner.A chance to be seizedThis is where the next MFF becomes decisive.If the new Global Europe instrument, the EUs principal financial vehicle for international partnerships, provides dedicated funding for processing capacity in partner countries, CRM projects would no longer need to compete with a wide range of external priorities.Brussels would then have a credible chance to close the gap between promises and delivery.Equally important, it could establish a model for the EUs broader CRM engagement across the Global South, from Global Gateway initiatives and strategic partnerships to future trade agreements.The sums involved will be substantial. Building processing facilities, supporting technology transfer, and sharing investment risks with partner countries is far more extensive than simply importing raw materials.But that is precisely the point. Escaping China\u2019s grip on CRM value chains comes at a price. The question is whether Europe is willing to pay it.If the answer is yes, the rewards are considerable. Resource-rich partners would gain the industrial upgrading they increasingly demand, while the EU would secure more resilient value chains and gradually reduce its dependence on Chinese processing and refining.While China will remain an indispensable player in many CRM value chains for years to come, the objective should be to build a broader processing base across partner countries, leaving the EU and its partners less vulnerable to disruptions in the longer term. Both sides would stand to benefit.If the answer is no, the outcome is equally clear. Without revised funding mechanisms, CRM projects will remain chronically underfinanced and resource-rich partners will continue to look elsewhere, most likely to China.The EU will keep talking about diversification while remaining dependent on precisely the value chains it seeks to escape. The MFF offers a chance to break that cycle.Brussels should seize it.Nora K\u00fcrzd\u00f6rfer is a Senior Researcher at the Munich Security Conference (MSC), where she leads the MSC Geoeconomics Project Beyond Lose-Lose, funded by Stiftung Mercator, and specializes in the nexus of economic and security policy.She is also a NextGen Associate Fellow at the NATO Defense College in Rome and holds a PhD from the Hertie School.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/2026\/09\/04\/eu-budget-offers-chance-to-loosen-chinas-grip-on-critical-raw-materials-for-europe&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/88\/62\/85\/1200x675_cmsv2_363b1043-05c9-549a-8bc6-c84d02e6a70b-9886285.jpg&#8221;] Tech News NERDs: The Gen Zers who believe they will never be able to retire Europe News Frontloading EU loan not a &#8216;silver bullet&#8217; for Ukraine, Chentsov says Europe News Euroviews. EU sanctions: a person must never be merely a means to an end Tech News CSIC develops magnetic &#8220;nanoflowers&#8221; to capture [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-2127560","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2127560","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2127560"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2127560\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2127560"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2127560"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2127560"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}