German media: Europe is losing sovereignty in the rare earth sector

The "Handelsblatt" comments that, in the face of China's increasingly dominant position in the rare earth sector, Europe has not taken any countermeasures, which is undoubtedly a strategic failure.

The "Handelsblatt" published a guest commentary stating that China's rapid rise in the rare earth sector was entirely foreseeable, but for a long time, Europe remained indifferent to it, leading to the current passive situation. The commentary, titled "Europe is Losing Sovereignty in the Rare Earth Sector," states:

"The rare earth crisis demonstrates Europe's structural fragility: besides the automotive industry, rare earths also play a crucial role in the manufacturing of wind turbines, robots, missile guidance systems, and drone systems. When China strategically exploits its market dominance, the pressure on the EU is increasing: Europe must establish reserves, promote local mining and refining, and invest in the recycling of related raw materials and the development of alternative materials."

Europe's failure to act earlier in the rare earth sector is undoubtedly a serious strategic mistake. As early as 15 years ago, the momentum of China's rise in the rare earth sector was already clear. Raw material extraction was no longer China's only strength; in the refining stage, China was also gradually becoming stronger, which was also aided by European companies transferring their production facilities to China. In the 1990s, the French company La Rochelle was responsible for about 48% of global rare earth refining.

Even more seriously, the 'European Disruptive Joint Initiative' (JEDI) had long urged the EU Commissioner for Energy, Šimony, to pay attention to the issue of magnet dependence and to push for the EU's own alternatives.

The EU's response was: the dependence issue indeed exists, and they immediately handed the matter over to the then EU Commissioner for Research, Gabriel. However, this commissioner and his department did not realize the severity of the problem, perhaps they thought it was not too late to take action when drafting the next research framework plan in 2028."

The "Handelsblatt" commentary pointed out that in today's era, scientific research investment requires flexibility and strategic vision, and the EU's bureaucratic institutions are clearly unable to shoulder this responsibility without corresponding reforms. The commentary concludes:

"The EU must launch R&D on rare-earth-free magnet technology.

Finally, we must completely revolutionize rare earth refining technology: existing refining processes cause great environmental harm: they require large amounts of solvents, consume large amounts of water, and produce radioactive waste. Launching an ambitious R&D program now is just right: to make the rare earth refining process highly clean and to bring this strategic industry back to Europe."

Source: DW

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1840268979826825/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.