Ghent University Study Warns Chinese Rare Earth Dependence Threatens European Defence Expansion

Highlights

• A 2025–2026 Ghent University policy paper warns Chinese export restrictions could paralyze European weapons manufacturing during rearmament.
• REEx identifies a 'Transition Vulnerability Window' where defense spending rises faster than alternative rare earth processing capacity can be built.
• Stockpiling raw oxides offers limited protection without facilities to convert them into metals, alloys, and qualified defense-grade magnets.
• The study recommends supplier mapping, strategic stockpiles matched to actual production needs, and alternative processing partnerships.
• Defense investors should evaluate qualified production capacity and binding customer commitments, not just announced mining tonnage.