European Fee President Ursula von der Leyen advocated on Saturday for a package deal of measures to quickly scale back Europe’s dependence on uncooked materials imports from China.
“Everyone knows how essential uncommon earths are for our business – whether or not for automobiles, semiconductors or navy gear,” she advised the Berlin World Dialogue convention.
The export restrictions not too long ago introduced by the Chinese language authorities jeopardize the soundness of world provide chains in order that European firms can count on direct impacts, she stated.
“Within the quick time period, we’re specializing in discovering options with our Chinese language counterparts, however we’re prepared to make use of all of the devices in our toolbox to reply if wanted,” she stated.
Independence is the purpose
She stated she was specializing in discovering options with China within the quick time period, however emphasised that structural responses to this problem are mandatory – much like the measures which have been taken to exchange Russian power provides.
On the similar time, funding in strategic tasks for the manufacturing and processing of essential uncooked supplies within the European Union can be elevated and partnerships with international locations similar to Ukraine, Australia, Canada, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Chile and Greenland can be accelerated.
“Whether or not on power or uncooked supplies, defence or digital, Europe has to try for its independence, and that is our second to do it,” the fee president warned.
