The EU is working to avoid replacing one dependency with another in the energy transition

As the energy transition accelerates, demand for critical raw materials is expected to rise significantly by 2050. Europe is alreadydependent on supplies of several critical raw materials from China. Specific examples include supplies of rare earth elements needed to make batteries for electric vehicles and photovoltaic panels.

MEP Hildegard Bentele, of the European People's Party group, has said that the EU must prepare for a possible Chinese attack on Taiwan and potential consequences in the form of sanctions or bans on exports of specific technologies.

Speculation recently emerged about a possible ban on exports of technologies needed to manufacture solar panels, a supply chain in which China currently controls at least 75%. According to available information, however, the ban would not cover the panels themselves, whose sale is highly lucrative for China.

Critical raw materials are also being discussed in the European Parliament

EU demand for critical raw materials is expected to rise significantly by 2050. MEP Bentele was rapporteur for the European strategy for critical raw materials, a European Parliament document that highlights the issue of critical raw materials in the EU and calls on the European Commission to take concrete action.