In an article published on January 23, 2026, Handelsblatt examines the growing gap between the United States and the European Union in securing access to critical raw materials. While the U.S. government is investing in mines and refineries, building strategic stockpiles, and providing financial support to start-ups, the EU has so far largely limited its efforts to announcements and pilot projects under the RESourceEU plan. TRADIUM expert Jan Giese points out that the EU still lacks a centralised authority to coordinate raw materials policy and sees significant untapped potential in European mining waste. He also emphasises that meaningful reductions in dependence on third countries can only be achieved through swift and practical regulatory frameworks.
