Italy, France, Germany Lead EU Movement to Strengthen Strategic Reserve Stocks

The European Union is intensifying its strategy to build resilience in the supply chain of critical raw materials, with Italy, France, and Germany playing key roles in this initiative. Based on information from four well-informed sources, this effort aims to reduce Europe’s vulnerability to global market fluctuations and supply disruptions from major producing countries.

Background: Why Strategic Material Resilience Has Become a Priority

The EU’s decision to accelerate the development of strategic reserves did not come about spontaneously. With increasing geopolitical competition and dependence on external sources for essential minerals such as rare earth elements and recycled metals, Europe needs tangible protection. Italy, due to its geographical position, is also an integral part of this diversification plan.

RESourceEU: The Foundation of a Joint Stockpile Mechanism

By the end of 2025, the European Commission will launch the ‘RESourceEU’ initiative as a comprehensive framework to strengthen joint reserves. This program includes establishing strategic storage mechanisms and implementing export restrictions on recyclable metal waste and rare earth waste. This step is designed to ensure a stable supply of raw materials for European industries in the long term.

Italy and Leading Countries’ Roles in the EU Strategy

Italy, along with France and Germany, is leading this initiative with a commitment to developing regional reserve infrastructure. These three countries bring diverse industrial experience but complement each other in building a resilient strategic materials ecosystem. Although the European Commission has not yet announced detailed implementation plans, the roles of these three countries demonstrate the EU’s seriousness in achieving energy and resource independence.