General Discussion, page-1266

France (2.5b euros), Italy (1b euros), & Germany (amount not specified) announce plans to foster an EU-based critical minerals supply chain. These policies are immutable, now that Chinese domination is considered a strategic threat to secure supply chains etc.
(And the renewable energy transition, of course).

investor.com 17.5.24 said

"EU’s €2.5bn Critical Minerals Investment Seeks Private Sector Collaboration: (May 17, 2024, Source)

At the EIT Critical Raw Materials Summit 2024 in Brussels, France, Germany, and Italy announced a combined investment of €2.5 billion in critical raw materials, essential for energy transition. These funds will support domestic mining, processing, and recycling, reducing dependency on imports and fostering a self-sufficient raw materials value chain within the EU.

The initiative aims to attract equal private investment, enhancing the financial robustness of the sector. Focused on over 30 essential minerals, including lithium and rare earths, these investments prioritize sectors like aerospace and defense. Each country detailed their contributions and strategies, with France aiming for a €2 billion fund managed in collaboration with Infravia Capital Partners, Italy’s €1 billion fund focusing on national strategic supply chains, and Germany’s fund managed by KfW Development Bank aiming to secure a stable mineral supply. Despite criticisms of government expertise in mining, the unified approach underscores a strategic push to bolster EU’s industrial capabilities and lessen external dependencies...

EU to call for mineral projects, eyes joint purchases: (May 15, 2024, Source)

The European Commission is set to initiate projects aimed at enhancing the EU’s access to essential minerals crucial for its green and digital transitions, such as lithium and copper.

Announced by Commissioner Maros Sefcovic at the EU Raw Materials Summit in Brussels, these efforts include launching calls for mining, processing, and recycling projects deemed strategic, with expedited permit processes.

Furthermore, the commission plans to start joint EU purchases of around 30 materials, replicating its gas purchase scheme. This strategy, part of the newly passed EU Critical Raw Materials Act effective from May 23, aims to reduce reliance on external sources like China and bolster the EU’s capabilities in producing electric vehicles and wind turbines. Additionally, the commission is exploring the potential for stockpiling key minerals, drawing inspiration from Japan’s approach to rare earths".

Technology Metals Report (05.17.2024): The U.S. Announces Tariffs, while the EU invests €2.5Bn in Critical Minerals, and China eyes Vietnam Rare Earths - InvestorNews