Recent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine war, and trade disputes have exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains for these essential minerals.

The European Union is accelerating efforts to secure critical minerals to reduce reliance on China amid rising global supply tensions.

In response to these vulnerabilities, the EU plans to invest 22.5 billion euros, approximately $24.2 billion, into mining and processing for 17 critical minerals across 13 member states.

These strategic projects span various EU countries, including Greece, Germany, and France, and involve essential materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which are crucial for electric vehicles and advanced technologies.

Among these initiatives is a gallium extraction project in Greece, operated by Metlen Energy & Metals, which is expected to yield up to 50 metric tons annually starting in 2027.

Gallium is vital for advanced semiconductors, 5G technology, solar panels, and military applications, making this project particularly significant.

On March 27, 2025, EU official Stéphane Séjourné visited the gallium extraction site in Greece to promote domestic mineral production.

Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos highlighted the strategic importance of this project for Greece and the broader European autonomy and security.

During his visit, Séjourné emphasized the need for public support for domestic mining while cautioning against creating new dependencies on critical materials, similar to past fossil fuel dependencies.

Critical minerals are essential for manufacturing electric vehicles, battery components, lightweight alloys, and medical devices, underscoring their importance in modern technology.

The gallium project is one of 47 strategic projects selected to enhance the EU's self-sufficiency in critical raw materials.

The strategic projects also cover a range of minerals vital for modern technology, including those located in Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, and Italy.