Strategic dependency refers to the reliance of the European Union on non-member countries for essential technologies and raw materials. This state of vulnerability jeopardizes technological sovereignty, supply chain security, and the competitiveness of European industry. The EU's goal is to minimize strategic dependency and strengthen the Union's global competitiveness.
Key Areas of Strategic Dependency
Examples of products with proven strategic dependency:
- Pharmaceuticals (Antibiotics, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Vitamin C, Corticosteroids, Heparin, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients)
- Semiconductors (Advanced chips (<10nm), Analog chips, Sensors, Power electronics, MCU microcontrollers, MEMS devices, GPU and AI accelerators)
- Photovoltaics (Solar panels, Inverters, Polycrystalline silicon, Solar cells, Wafers, Converters, Thin-film modules)
- Batteries (Li-ion cells, Cathode materials (NMC, LFP), Anode materials, Electrolytes, Separators, BMS systems, Solid-state batteries)
- Rare Earth Elements and Magnets (Permanent magnets (NdFeB), Neodymium, Dysprosium, Terbium, Praseodymium, Samarium-cobalt magnets)
- Hydrogen and Electrolysers (PEM electrolysers, Alkaline electrolysers, SOEC technology, Fuel cells, Hydrogen storage tanks, H₂ compressors)
- Heat Pumps (Air-to-water heat pumps, Ground-to-water heat pumps, Industrial heat pumps, Compressors, Heat exchangers, Low-emission refrigerants)
- Wind Energy (Wind turbines, Nacelles, Rotor blades, Gearboxes, Generators, Offshore platforms)
Strategic Dependency in Grant Calls
Mitigating strategic dependency has become a primary objective of EU subsidy programs. The Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) specifically focuses on reinforcing European sovereignty in critical technology sectors.
