Strategic autonomy meets global dependency : instruments and implications of the EU's raw materials policy with third countries

Global demand for specific mineral raw materials is increasing, driven largely by the energy and digital transition. Although the EU is making efforts to boost domestic supply, it will remain highly dependent on imports of those minerals from third countries to achieve strategic autonomy in manufacturing capacities for both transition-related and military sectors in Europe. As global competition over access to raw materials intensifies, the EU is adapting its policy approaches in response. This briefing paper examines how geopolitical dynamics and evolving EU priorities are shaping EU's external raw materials policies. It assesses the use of different trade policy instruments and raw materials diplomacy, including new approaches such as the introduction of Strategic Projects, Raw Materials Club or Strategic Partnerships on raw materials. These partnerships reflect the EU's broader goal of strengthening manufacturing in Europe by integrating raw materials sectors from partner countries into these new value chains. However, we find that the incentives offered by the EU - such as more sustainable mining, increased investment, and mutual economic gains - remain non-binding and challenging to implement in practice. This is largely due to the lack of enforceable sustainability provisions and the absence of a coherent strategy to support investment and value-added processing in the raw materials sector. At the same time, traditional tools such as free trade agreements and regulatory cooperation remain central. These instruments must balance EU interests with the development needs of partner countries, particularly by allowing policy space for industrialization strategies and ensuring that environmental and social standards are effectively implemented.