Rare Earths Race: Why Europe Is Falling Behind Others

Worldwide Explorations planned, but actual capacities are scarce The Race for Rare Earths: Europe falling behind

2026-04-04 From Detlev Karg 7 min Reading Time

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The supply of rare earths is of central strategic importance to the defence industry. Without these metals, many modern weapons systems simply cannot function. Yet it is precisely in these critical raw materials that Europe remains heavily dependent on China.

Some important rare-earth oxides clockwise from top center: praseodymium, cerium, lanthanum, neodymium, samarium, and gadolinium.(Photo: Wiki Commons, Peggy Greb) — Some important rare-earth oxides clockwise from top center: praseodymium, cerium, lanthanum, neodymium, samarium, and gadolinium.
(Photo: Wiki Commons, Peggy Greb)

Beijing not only controls a large share of mining output, but above all the processing stage — and with it a decisive part of global supply chains. Global competition for rare earths is therefore intensifying significantly. States are investing billions, developing new deposits, or trying to become more independent through recycling. One thing is clear: without these metals, the technological and military strength of modern industrialised nations will be very difficult to sustain.

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