EP adopted the resolution on export restrictions of raw materials from China at the request of Lexmann

Brussels/Strasbourg – The European Parliament (EP) on Thursday in Brussels, at the initiative of Slovak MEP Miriam Lexmann (EPP/KDH), adopted a resolution on measures that the EU should take to protect its economic, security, and strategic interests in securing the supply of critical raw materials. This is a fundamental issue for European security, the MEP stated for TASR.

Lexmann, as a member of the EP Committee on International Trade (INTA), appreciated that the European Parliament agreed to her request to address the tense relations with China. The resolution, which was supported by 523 MEPs, with 75 against and 14 abstentions, specifies that China’s actions are unjustified and that the European Union must adopt coercive measures given the country’s almost monopolistic position in the import of rare raw materials.

China restricts the export of critical raw materials that are vital for our automotive industry, healthcare, defense sector, and energy

“It is important to open this fundamental issue of economic security, which has immediate consequences for Slovakia. China is indeed restricting the export of critical raw materials that are vital for our automotive industry, healthcare, defense sector, and energy,” she described the situation.

According to her, this is a repeated model of behavior in which China abuses its dominant market position and applies restrictive trade practices that are contrary to international law.

“This is not fair behavior and action must be taken against it,” Lexmann stated. The problem is, in her view, even more serious given the demands that Chinese authorities place on European manufacturers when issuing export licenses. They must disclose sensitive data, such as the final purpose of the product, the manner of its use, or even an assessment of the “trustworthiness” of the purchasing company. She clarified that such an approach raises serious security, economic, and ethical questions that EU lawmakers must address.

Currently, the export restrictions from China are perceived by the MEP as confirmation that Beijing does not hesitate to use its dominant position as a tool of political pressure.

“This deliberate disruption of supply chains is part of China’s trade strategy, which aims to maintain global dependence on Chinese supplies,” she stated during her speech in the EP plenary. According to her own words, she expects the European Commission to raise this issue at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and activate the mechanism against economic pressure. “We must make it clear that restrictions against our manufacturers will not be tolerated,” she stated.

In this context, she sees it as essential to accelerate the implementation of the EU Regulation on Critical Raw Materials and to take concrete steps to strengthen European self-sufficiency and protect the interests of citizens and industry. (July 10)