The European Union and the United States have agreed to deepen cooperation on critical minerals, signing a memorandum of understanding and outlining plans for broader coordination in the sector.
The agreement is aimed at strengthening supply chains for key minerals used in clean energy, defence and advanced technologies, amid efforts to reduce reliance on concentrated global suppliers.
The deal is signed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič.
Reuters reports that the United States is seeking to secure more stable access to critical mineral resources, with a focus on diversifying supply chains away from dominant global players.
The agreement includes measures such as incentives for production and pricing mechanisms, which could support alternative suppliers in the market.
The EU says the partnership will cover cooperation across the full value chain, including exploration, extraction, processing, refining and recycling, while also promoting investment, innovation and improved geological data sharing.
Both sides also plan to coordinate on supply chain resilience and sustainability, including work within international platforms such as the Group of Seven and other multilateral frameworks focused on strategic resources.
The initiative builds on earlier discussions among key partners on securing critical mineral supply chains, including cooperation with countries such as Japan.
