On 14 October 2026, BeST will host the high-level policy dialogue “From Mine to Mission – Critical Raw Materials for Defence Capability.” The Critical Raw Materials Alliance, of which ECGA is a member, is supporting the event. The dialogue will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to discuss how Europe can strengthen the resilience of critical raw material supply chains that underpin defence capabilities and defence-industrial readiness.
Europe’s defence capabilities increasingly depend on secure and reliable access to critical raw materials. Materials such as graphite and advanced carbon materials are essential for a wide range of defence applications, including aerospace technologies, communications systems, sensors, guidance technologies, advanced manufacturing, and next-generation military platforms. Against a backdrop of growing geopolitical tensions, increasing defence investment, and concerns over strategic dependencies, access to critical raw materials has become a key component of European security and defence policy.
Key topics of discussion will include:
- Strategic dependencies and vulnerabilities in critical raw material supply chains;
- The role of critical raw materials in defence innovation and capability development;
- Strengthening Europe’s defence industrial base through secure access to materials;
- Future EU priorities and targeted objectives for critical raw materials in the defence sector.
ECGA Secretary General Katarzyna Palaczanis will participate as a speaker, representing the European graphite and advanced carbon materials sector and highlighting its contribution to Europe’s resilience, competitiveness, and defence capabilities.
Further information and registration are available on the event website: https://www.defencematerials.eu/