Bringing science and policy: EuChemS Rare Earth Elements event

On 14 May 2025, the European Chemical Society (EuChemS) held an event on Rare Earth Elements (REEs), a topic of growing strategic importance for Europe. The event included a morning session at the European Parliament and an afternoon session at the EuChemS office, bringing together scientists, policymakers, and industry experts to address REE availability, criticality, and sustainability. 

This event was part of EuChemS’ ongoing series dedicated to individual chemical elements, from the EuChemS Table of Chemical Elements, which highlights each element’s availability and sustainability challenges. 

Science-policy focused morning session at the European Parliament 

Hosted by MEP Annalisa Corrado, the session began with opening remarks from EuChemS President Angela Agostiano. She reaffirmed EuChemS’ mission to promote evidence-based policymaking and sustainable chemical practices, highlighting its European network of over 140,000 chemists. Angela Agostiano underscored the relevant role of chemistry in tackling climate and digital challenges, supporting young scientists, and bridging the gap between science and policy. 

Peter Roesky (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology), Scientific Chair of the event, introduced REEs as critical to Europe’s sustainability and autonomy. Nicola Armaroli (CNR and EuChemS) followed, presenting the EuChemS Table of Chemical Elements and stressing the urgency of circular material flows to mitigate resource scarcity. 

These introductory talks which set the scene were followed by presentations on geopolitics, recycling, and policy. 

Andrea Dini (CNR, Pisa) examined REE extraction, focusing on Europe’s dependence on external sources, particularly China. Marie Perrin (ETH Zürich & REEcover) highlighted advancements in REE recycling from waste streams, essential for a European circular economy. Milan Grohol (European Commission, DG GROW) provided an institutional update on the Critical Raw Materials Act and EU strategies to strengthen supply chain resilience and innovation. 

A dynamic Q&A followed, covering EU recycling incentives and global cooperation. The session closed with remarks from MEP Corrado, affirming the Parliament’s support for research-led sustainability efforts. 

Science focused afternoon session 

The afternoon shifted to scientific applications of REEs in energy, materials, and catalysis. Talks included: 

• Andries Meijerink (Utrecht University) on REEs’ optical properties in lighting and sensors 
• Mario Ruben (KIT) on their magnetic role in wind turbines and EV motors 
• Evgueni Kirillov (University of Rennes) on catalytic uses in pollution control and hydrogen production 
• Jürgen Gassmann (Fraunhofer IWKS) on REEs in energy transition and future battery and hydrogen technologies 

A final panel discussion, moderated by Angela Agostiano, continued the exploration of REEs, with speakers reflecting on the scientific insights shared throughout the day and their implications for future research and innovation. 

The recording of the event will be available soon on the EuChemS Youtube channel.