Europe's defence capabilities increasingly depend on secure and resilient access to critical raw materials. Materials such as beryllium, nickel and niobium play an indispensable role in advanced defence systems, aerospace technologies, communications infrastructure, sensors, guidance systems and next-generation military capabilities. 

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At a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, rising defence expenditure, and growing concerns about strategic dependencies, ensuring access to critical raw materials has become a core element of European security and defence policy.

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This high-level policy dialogue aimed at exploring how Europe can strengthen the resilience of critical raw material supply chains that underpin defence capabilities and defence-industrial readiness. ​The discussion focused on:

• Strategic dependencies and supply-chain vulnerabilities;

• The role of critical raw materials in defence innovation and capability development;​

• Strengthening Europe's defence industrial base through secure material access;

• Future EU priorities and targeted objectives for critical raw materials in the defence sector