Strengthening European Defense: Dr. Florian Anderhuber on the Role of Raw Materials at the Security of Supply Symposium

At the Security of Supply Centre of Excellence Security of Supply Symposium 2026, Dr. Florian Anderhuber, Deputy Director General of Euromines, participated in a panel discussion on the critical importance of metals and minerals in defense. Dr. Anderhuber highlighted the inseparable link between raw materials and defense, emphasizing that securing the supply of mission-critical raw materials is essential for preserving European values such as freedom and democracy.

He stressed that stable and sustained demand for raw materials is necessary to maintain consistent production and avoid fragmented value chains. Additionally, defense industries can play a pivotal role by providing long-term demand signals, which would enable scaling up production, improving supply chain resilience, and enhancing Europe's global competitiveness.

Key points raised by Dr. Anderhuber include:

• Funding: The SAFE and Defense Fund provide essential financing opportunities for raw materials, but member states need to adopt these mechanisms.
• Demand signals: The defense sector is uniquely positioned to offer long-term, reliable demand signals for critical materials, emphasizing the importance of security of supply.
• Bespoke solutions: Tailored solutions are required to address bottlenecks within raw materials supply chains and ensure their smooth functioning.

This discussion highlighted the critical role of raw materials in strengthening both European defense capabilities and broader industrial resilience, underscoring the need for action to secure the future of Europe's raw materials supply.