Written question – China tightens export rules on rare earth elements: impact on the European defence industry – E-004118/2025

Question for written answer  E-004118/2025/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 144
Engin Eroglu (Renew)

The People’s Republic of China has announced that it will further tighten its rare earth element (REE) export rules as of 1 December 2025. These metals are crucial for the European high-tech and defence industry, being used in everything from fighter jets to submarines to advanced weapon systems. China continues to keep the global market almost completely under its thumb and is using this dominance more and more as a strategic bargaining chip. This significantly jeopardises the autonomy of European industry and governments when it comes to technology and security. It is clear from the recent announcements that China is prepared to use its economic power to exert political leverage and that being dependent on Beijing poses significant risk to European security and defence capabilities.

• 1.How does the Commission assess the risk to the European defence industry’s security of supply in light of China’s announced REE export restrictions, which will apply from December 2025?
• 2.How does the Commission’s strategy to secure rare raw materials fit into the broader EU goals to strengthen defence capabilities and industrial resilience by 2030?

Submitted: 20.10.2025