Russia raises concern over US-EU critical minerals push in Central Asia
On 20 May, Reuters reported that Moscow has expressed growing concerns over growing efforts by the US and EU to secure access to rare earths and critical minerals in Central Asia. Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin stated that Moscow views the push as more than mere economic competition, arguing it is an attempt to weaken Russia’s influence. Central Asia has become a focus of interest in recent years, particularly with the international push to cut the reliance on China in the supply of its rare earth elements, which are critical for electric vehicles, renewable energy, and defence sectors. Resource-rich Central Asian states include Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
(“Russia is concerned by US, EU rare earth activity in Central Asia, media reports,” Reuters, 20 May 2026)
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/russia-is-concerned-by-us-eu-rare-earth-activity-central-asia-media-reports-2026-05-20/

The EU: Brussels moves to build critical minerals stockpile amid concerns regarding dependence on China 
On 20 May, Reuters reported that the EU is preparing its first joint stockpile of critical minerals to reduce dependence on China. Tungsten, rare earths, and gallium are among the key materials shortlisted. Negotiations are ongoing on the possibility of using the major ports of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and Porto Marghera and Trieste, Italy, as hubs for the storage of these strategic resources. The move is a reflection of the increasing concerns of the EU about the Chinese grip over critical minerals' production and export control. Other minerals that are reported to be under consideration are magnesium, germanium, and graphite. Most of these are deemed to be vital to defence industries and advanced technologies. They are key to the production of military hardware, semiconductors, electric vehicles, smartphones, wind turbines, and other clean energy infrastructure. 
(“EU shortlists tungsten, rare earths for first stockpile to curb reliance on China,” Reuters, 20 May 2026)
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/eu-shortlists-tungsten-rare-earths-first-stockpile-curb-china-reliance-2026-05-20/ 

China and the US: Beijing defends rare earth curbs, signals openness to address Washington’s concerns
On 20 May, Reuters reported that Beijing announced its rare earth export controls are “in accordance with laws and regulations.” This is while expressing willingness to resolve “reasonable and lawful concerns” raised by the US over shortages of critical minerals like yttrium and scandium. Introduced in April 2025 in retaliation for US tariffs, the restrictions continue to impact supplies essential for aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries. Following last week’s Beijing summit, both sides agreed to further discuss the issue, reflecting a softer US approach toward the controls. Chinese customs data showed yttrium oxide exports to the US dropped sharply to 10 metric tons in April from 60 tons in March.
(“China says rare earth control lawful, will cooperate with US on 'reasonable' concerns,” Reuters, 20 May 2026)
https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/china-says-rare-earth-controls-lawful-will-cooperate-with-us-reasonable-concerns-2026-05-20/ 

India and Italy: Delhi and Rome sign MoU to deepen critical minerals cooperation
On 20 May, Economic Times reported that India and Italy signed an MoU to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of critical minerals. This is with a focus on building resilient and sustainable supply chains. In discussions, both Prime Ministers highlighted the need to develop their relationship in terms of a formal cooperation mechanism for investment, technology cooperation and industrial integration. In addition, the agreement also highlights joint efforts to recover critical minerals from non-traditional sources like e-waste and mine tailings, further strengthening circular economy efforts. The leaders also aimed to expand collaboration across various strategic industries, including semiconductors and clean technologies, energy, pharmaceuticals, ports, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing as well as in the critical minerals industry.
(“Italy-India Joint Declaration,” Governo, 20 May 2026)
https://www.governo.it/sites/governo.it/files/Italy-India_JointDeclaration_20260520.pdf

France and Greenland: Paris and Nuuk strengthen cooperation on critical minerals and rare earth supply chains
On 19 May, Anadolu Ajansı reported that France and Greenland have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to strengthen collaboration in the field of critical minerals and rare earth resources. This is reportedly viewed as a part of Europe's drive to ensure its strategic supply chains in the fields of clean energy and industry. The agreement was signed in Nuuk by French Trade Minister Nicolas Forissier and Greenland Prime Minister Mute B. Egede. The partnership will focus on geological mapping, knowledge-sharing, sustainable mining practices, and the responsible development of Greenland’s mineral resources. It follows on from a previous technical cooperation agreement between BKK and BRGM, France's geological survey agency, and the Industry and Minerals Ministry of Greenland. The vast quantities of rare earth elements in Greenland are taking on greater importance in the face of a global race for key minerals needed to achieve electrification and green technology.
(“France, Greenland move to deepen critical minerals ties,” Anadolu Ajansı, 19 May 2026)
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/france-greenland-sign-letter-of-intent-to-boost-cooperation-on-critical-minerals/3941960