EU Prepares to Stockpile Critical Minerals

On July 5, 2025, the European Union unveiled plans to build strategic reserves of critical minerals—such as rare earths and magnets—to safeguard against future supply shocks. The move expands the EU’s Preparedness Union Strategy, traditionally focused on energy and health, to now include raw materials essential for clean tech and defense. Officials cited growing geopolitical risk and market instability as key drivers for this preemptive action.