Europe Strengthens Its Autonomy: France and Germany Lead the Critical Materials Reserve Strategy

The European Union is significantly strengthening its strategic materials reserve plan, with France and Germany as the main drivers of this geopolitical initiative. In the context of a growing need for strategic autonomy, Brussels aims to reduce Europe’s vulnerability to external restrictions on access to essential raw materials for industry and energy transition.

RESourceEU: The European Framework for Supply Independence

The RESourceEU initiative, launched at the end of 2025, represents the European Union’s concrete commitment to building a more resilient supply chain. This joint reserve mechanism establishes a coordinated system among member states to strategically store and manage critical materials. The European Commission has designed this framework to reduce Europe’s exposure to disruptions in the global trade of essential natural resources.

Italy, France, and Germany: The Strategic Triangle of the European Reserve

These three European countries have positioned themselves as leaders in implementing the plan, according to sources close to the process. France and Germany, in particular, coordinate diplomatic and operational efforts to ensure the viability of the reserve mechanisms. Italy complements this triangle by providing logistical capabilities and experience in mineral management. The collaboration among these nations reflects a shared recognition of the urgency to achieve technological and energy independence in Europe.

Export Restrictions and Control of Strategic Waste

The RESourceEU plan includes specific limitations on the export of recyclable metal waste and rare earth waste. These measures aim to retain within the continent materials that can be processed and reused in critical industrial sectors. By implementing controls over these flows, France, Germany, and Italy hope to create a more robust circular economy that reduces dependence on imports from third countries.

Next Steps: Operational Implementation

Although the European Commission has not yet disclosed detailed specifications about the operational mechanisms, it is expected that practical modalities of the system will be finalized during 2026. France and Germany will continue leading bilateral and multilateral negotiations to ensure that all European capitals align with the objectives of the common strategic reserve.