Brussels/Strasbourg – The European Parliament (EP) approved a resolution on Thursday to address the EU’s economic, security, and strategic interests in the supply of critical raw materials, initiated by Slovak MEP Miriam Lexmann (EPP/KDH). She emphasized the significance of this issue for European security, as reported by TASR.
As a member of the EP Committee on International Trade (INTA), Lexmann welcomed the Parliament’s acknowledgment of her request to confront the escalating tensions with China. The resolution received support from 523 MEPs, with 75 opposed and 14 abstaining. It asserts that China’s actions are unwarranted and calls for the EU to implement coercive measures due to China’s near-monopoly in importing rare raw materials.
China restricts the export of critical raw materials that are vital for our automotive industry, healthcare, defense sector, and energy
“Addressing this crucial economic security issue is vital, especially for Slovakia. China is indeed imposing restrictions on the export of essential raw materials needed for our automotive industry, healthcare, defense, and energy sectors,” Lexmann described the current situation.
She noted that this behavior reflects a pattern where China utilizes its dominant market position to enforce restrictive trade practices that violate international law.
“Such conduct is unjust, and action must be taken against it,” Lexmann asserted. She added that the situation is exacerbated by the requirements Chinese authorities impose on European manufacturers when issuing export licenses. These demands include disclosing sensitive information related to the product’s intended use and the trustworthiness of the purchasing company. She pointed out that this raises significant security, economic, and ethical concerns that EU lawmakers need to tackle.
Lexmann views China’s export restrictions as evidence of Beijing’s willingness to leverage its dominant position for political pressure.
“This intentional disruption of supply chains is part of China’s trade strategy to enforce global reliance on Chinese supplies,” she stated during her speech at the EP plenary. She expects the European Commission to address this matter at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and activate mechanisms to counter economic pressure. “We must clearly state that restrictions against our manufacturers will not be accepted,” she emphasized.
In this context, she believes it is crucial to expedite the EU Regulation on Critical Raw Materials and take concrete steps to enhance European self-sufficiency and safeguard the interests of citizens and industry. (July 10)
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