The European Union (EU) and the US have signed a memorandum of understanding on a strategic partnership in the field of critical minerals, and have also agreed on a joint action plan to strengthen the resilience of supply chains.
“Elchi” reports this, citing the European Commission (EC).
The agreement confirms the parties’ intention to develop cooperation along the entire value chain, from exploration and extraction to processing, recycling, and reuse. It also provides for the support of investments, innovations, and the development of geological exploration.
The document was signed in Washington by European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Separately, Šefčovič and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer presented an action plan aimed at increasing the resilience of supply chains.
The memorandum and the action plan are a continuation of the agreements reached at the ministerial meeting on critical minerals in Washington in February 2026, as well as the provisions of the joint statement by the EU and the US dated August 2025.
“It is promising that the cooperation between the EU and the US in the field of critical raw materials is taking concrete shape. Now the main issue is the implementation of intentions and their transformation into significant projects. Critical minerals form the basis of all future sectors, so eliminating weak points is a necessity,” Šefčovič was quoted as saying in the statement.