Beijing’s Restrictions Push Brussels Toward Coordinated Action
European leaders are moving to forge a common stance after China tightened export regulations on a group of critical minerals essential for Europe’s manufacturing and green industries. The new measures, outlined in Announcement No. 61, broaden the list of rare-earth elements subject to export licensing to include europium, holmium, erbium, thulium, and ytterbium. Following a high-level meeting on 14 October 2025, EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič said the bloc would collaborate closely with G7 partners to protect European industries from supply shocks and to safeguard the continent’s technological competitiveness.
Dependence on Chinese Supply Chains Underscores Europe’s Risks
China’s overwhelming control of the rare-earth market—accounting for more than 80 percent of global processing—has left Europe exposed to any tightening of Beijing’s export policies. The new rules, due to take effect on 1 December 2025, threaten to disrupt access to materials needed for electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and defence manufacturing. Economists and trade experts warn that the curbs could raise costs and slow industrial output, highlighting the need for Europe to strengthen recycling programs, expand domestic mining, and deepen partnerships with alternative suppliers in Africa and northern Europe.
Brussels Seeks Diplomatic and Legal Solutions Before Trade Retaliation
Rather than introducing immediate countermeasures, EU officials are prioritizing coordinated diplomacy and legal review. Consultations with Washington, Tokyo, and Ottawa are underway to examine potential responses and determine whether Beijing’s policy breaches international trade norms. Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Denmark’s foreign minister and current president of the EU Council, described the issue as “a pivotal challenge for Europe’s economic resilience and unity.” The European Commission is expected to outline a formal response plan before the end of the year, combining short-term stabilization measures with long-range efforts to reduce dependence on Chinese mineral exports.
