US, EU sign critical minerals deal to secure supply chains, reduce dependency risks

The United States and the European Union on April 24 signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on critical minerals, alongside an accompanying action plan aimed at strengthening supply chain resilience and reducing reliance on concentrated sources of raw materials.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the signing as a “very important gathering” focused on boosting economic and security cooperation, Caliber.Az reports. 

The agreement seeks to ensure “reliable, affordable sources” of critical minerals, Rubio said, warning that dependence on supply chains “dominated by one or two places is a non-acceptable risk” and stressing the need for diversification among allies.

European Commissioner for Trade Maros Sefcovic said the deal would deepen transatlantic cooperation and accelerate shared goals.

“With this memorandum, I believe we will be more strategic together and achieve our goals much faster,” Sefcovic said, adding that the priority is to turn the agreement into “concrete, tangible” projects for businesses.

According to the European Commission, the MoU establishes a strategic partnership covering the full critical minerals value chain, including exploration, extraction, processing, recycling, and innovation. It also supports investment, geological mapping, and measures to balance supply and demand.

In parallel, an EU–US Critical Minerals Action Plan outlines cooperation on trade tools, common standards, stockpiling strategies, and rapid response mechanisms for supply disruptions. It also envisages broader coordination with international partners through forums such as the G7.

The initiatives build on commitments made earlier this year at a ministerial meeting in Washington, underscoring growing transatlantic efforts to secure strategic resources amid global economic and geopolitical competition.

By Sabina Mammadli