From Trade to Security: The EU’s Critical Raw Materials Partnerships in a Geopolitical Context

Over the past decade, numerous political, social, and economic issues in the European Union (EU) have been reframed as security concerns. One such area is the stable supply of critical raw materials, which are essential for the digital and green transitions. Dependencies on other countries, namely China, has been identified as a potential security risk. To mitigate such dependencies on third-country suppliers, the EU has implemented various measures, including the establishment of strategic partnerships with producing nations. As of 2024, the EU has signed fourteen such agreements, differing in scope and depth. This paper examines the factors that drive the selection of partner countries and the content of these agreements. Drawing on primary and secondary sources, we argue that these agreements are shaped by (I) existing EU relations with the respective countries, (II) their political characteristics, and (III) the economic presence of competing powers in the country. Ultimately, this analysis shows how the securitization of resource dependencies shapes the Union’s external partnerships and strategic priorities.