The ESPON STARTER project examines regional implications of scenarios linked to Open Strategic Autonomy (OSA), with a focus on strategic raw materials as defined in the EU Critical Raw Materials Act (ECRMA).

This report, that is part of the STARTER - Strategic Autonomy Rules for Trade in European Regions project, examines the territorial impact of substituting supply sources for the 16 strategic raw materials prioritized by the ECRMA. The aim is to reduce external dependence and improve supply chain resilience, in line with guidance from the European Commission. To achieve this, the EU intends to seek new trading partners and strengthen economic relations with existing ones. By diversifying suppliers, reliance on current partners is decreased and economic security is enhanced against unexpected economic, geopolitical or regulatory shocks. It also sends a powerful political message: in a context of rising protectionism and aggressive unilateral economic nationalism from the US, the EU is committed to rules-based trade.