The European Union is weighing new ways to invest directly in Australia’s critical resources sector, with Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič saying Brussels is exploring options ranging from equity stakes to long-term offtake agreements and joint investments.
Šefčovič discussed the proposals with Australia’s resources minister during meetings this week, underscoring Europe’s push to secure stable supplies of key minerals needed for its clean-energy and industrial strategies. The comments come amid renewed momentum in efforts to revive the Australia–EU trade deal, which stalled last year.
Šefčovič said he expects negotiations to resume with “another round of talks early next year,” signalling that both sides see strategic value in deepening cooperation across trade, energy security and critical minerals.
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EU interest in structured investment and offtake could strengthen funding pipelines for Australian critical-minerals projects, supporting long-term supply security and adding upside for sector sentiment.
