The European Union is considering collaborating with Japan to mine rare earths

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU seeks to establish a "competitive alliance" with Japan, involving the joint extraction of rare earth elements. Von der Leyen said, "For strategic partners like Europe and Japan, this means tightening our relationship to meet the realities of our time and shape the future." She mentioned that Tokyo and Brussels should "shape global trade and technology rules based on our shared values of fairness and openness." The envisioned Japan-EU alliance will oversee supply chains, particularly for critical materials, batteries, and semiconductors. Von der Leyen indicated that the EU will explore investment opportunities with Japan across Europe and for the first time expressed that there is a "strong prospect" for cooperation in mining