In a recent address to the Federal Working Group on Resource Policy of the CDU e.V., Stefan Müller, CEO of a leading industry organisation, emphasised the urgent need for a cohesive strategy between politics and industry to secure Germany’s industrial future. He warned that without a bold raw materials strategy, the country risks jeopardising its competitive edge in the global market. Müller highlighted that Germany’s industrial competitiveness increasingly hinges on the reliable, diversified, and long-term availability of critical raw materials.
The current reality starkly contrasts with the ambitions set forth by European goals. According to the European Investment Bank (EIB), approximately €2 billion annually is needed for exploration to meet these targets; however, from 2015 to 2024, the average investment has only been around €200 million per year. This significant funding gap raises concerns about Germany’s preparedness in securing critical resources.
Müller pointed out that while other economic regions are employing extensive state instruments to secure critical raw materials, Germany’s current resource fund is limited to a target endowment of €1.5 billion. The reliance on specific supplier countries is not merely an economic issue but has evolved into a matter of resilience, foreign, and security policy. The European Commission has already warned of potential production losses, factory closures, and job losses due to export controls.
To address these challenges, Müller outlined several necessary actions: adjusting the KfW Resource Fund to meet actual exploration needs, establishing a dedicated exploration programme, recognising resource procurement as a key element of foreign and security policy, expediting due diligence processes for approved projects, and considering strategic value and resilience alongside traditional returns in funding decisions. He also called for active partnerships in resource management, spanning from exploration to processing.
Müller concluded by stressing that resource security does not happen by chance; it requires capital, strategic partnerships, and political determination. The DGWA is ready to facilitate the collaboration between industry and politics to ensure Germany’s resource security and industrial future.
