US Futures Fall as Fed Meeting, Oil Surge Rattle Markets 
Global Poll Shows Rising Trust in Institutions as US-China Leadership Support Falls 
Judge Blocks Trump Rule Limiting Foreign Student Visas 
Europe can’t achieve space sovereignty alone. Here’s why 
What is Zionism? The different meanings of a contested term 
Japanese Yen Retreats as Dollar Rises Ahead of Fed, BOJ Rate Decisions 
Ukraine Races to Counter Russia’s Faster Jet-Powered Drones 
UK Wage Growth Slows as BoE Rate Decision Looms 
Ovechkin Faces Scrutiny Over United Russia Campaign Video 
Hong Kong Unveils First Five-Year Plan to Boost Finance, Tech and Housing 
Banking scandal rocks Brazil’s politics and the country’s presidential election in October 
Iran Economic Crisis Forces Afghan Families to Return Home 
U.S. Imposes New Visa Restrictions Over South Africa Policies 
Paris Talks Focus on Lebanon Army Needs as UNIFIL Exit Looms 
US Allies Fear Trump Could Soften Taiwan Stance in Xi Talks 
Asian Currencies Mixed as Dollar Holds Gains After Fed Rate Hike 
Saudi Arabia Raises Security Alerts as Houthi Attacks Threaten Oil Routes 
Add as a preferred source on Google
The United States and the European Union are set to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation on critical minerals, marking a strategic move to secure global supply chains and reduce reliance on China. The agreement will be formalized on Friday during a meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, according to the State Department.
This critical minerals partnership highlights growing concerns in Washington and Brussels over the dominance of Chinese suppliers in rare earth elements and other essential resources used in clean energy, defense, and advanced technologies. Both sides are actively working to diversify supply sources and build more resilient and transparent supply chains.
Recent discussions between EU and U.S. officials have focused on aligning trade policies and creating incentives to support non-Chinese mineral producers. Sefcovic previously described talks with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer as “very positive,” noting that tariffs and mineral sourcing strategies were key topics. One proposal under consideration includes implementing minimum price guarantees to encourage investment in alternative suppliers and stabilize global markets.
The U.S. government has also urged its allies to increase financial support for critical minerals sourced outside China. Greer emphasized the importance of establishing a pricing mechanism for rare earth minerals to ensure fair competition and long-term supply security. These measures are seen as essential to counterbalance China’s current influence over the sector.
Economic ties between the U.S. and EU remain strong, with the United States serving as the bloc’s largest trading partner. EU exports to the U.S. reached a record 555 billion euros in 2025, underscoring the importance of continued cooperation in strategic industries.
The agreement comes amid broader geopolitical tensions, as President Donald Trump has voiced frustration over limited support from European and NATO allies in U.S. foreign policy efforts. Strengthening collaboration on critical minerals may serve as a key step in reinforcing transatlantic relations while addressing global supply chain vulnerabilities.
