Written By: Elea Huguet
Supervised By: Finn Seiffert
Edited By: Jackson Elder
ABSTRACT
This paper argues that Europe’s defence industrial ambitions are constrained by structural vulnerabilities in the security of its critical raw material (CRM) supply chain, meaning that increased defence spending alone will not guarantee reindustrialisation or strategic autonomy. The study evaluates Europe’s diversification strategy, focusing on strategic partnerships with resource-rich African states. The findings show that CRM supply chain dependence, geopolitical competition from China and Russia, and institutional and regulatory policy gaps significantly limit EU competitiveness. The paper concludes that achieving defence readiness requires a comprehensive foreign economic policy that mobilises diplomatic, development, and economic statecraft alongside supply chain diversification. A Europe-first security strategy must therefore be complemented by external partnerships and development investments to ensure long-term strategic supply security, defence readiness, and strategic autonomy.
