Canada and EU together to reduce dependence on China

Canada and the European Union have launched a new partnership to secure critical mineral supply chains and reduce dependence on China.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reported that with EU partners, he discussed what to do to build a cleaner economy for years to come.

“For starters, in order to continue to create green jobs for the middle class, we need to secure supply chains for critical minerals and metals that are essential for things like electric car batteries,” according to the Canadian premier.

Ursula von der Leyen, head of the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, said she wants to diversify imports from producers like China to create more sustainability, less environmental damage and more transparency on raw materials.

Canada and the EU jointly reported that the partnership will focus on improving “security and sustainability of trade and investment; integration of commodity value chains; science, technology and innovation collaboration; and environmental, social and governance criteria.”