Joint research into magnet recycling cuts Europe's supply risks

EU-funded researchers are developing new methods to recycle permanent magnets and engineer alternatives that avoid rare earth elements altogether. Permanent magnets are a vital component in most electric car traction motors, making their supply a critical vulnerability for the continent's clean energy transition.

Sceptics may argue that private automotive manufacturers and national labs are best placed to innovate based on market demand. Yet no single member state or company has the financial scale to absorb the early-stage risks of re-engineering complex global material chains alone.

By pooling research funding, Europe can lessen its reliance on single overseas suppliers for strategic raw materials. Joint research initiatives allow the continent to build collective technological sovereignty, keeping European industry competitive while ensuring no member state is left vulnerable to external supply shocks.