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Europe is moving on critical minerals, border checks, and China trade today.

Daily Briefing — Fri, Oct 9, 2026

EU picks 46 critical mineral projects to cut China reliance, Spain tightens Schengen checks, and 44 industry groups urge action on Chinese trade.

📰 News

European Commission picks 46 strategic critical mineral projects

The Commission on Friday selected 46 strategic raw material projects for faster permitting and funding support as the bloc races to diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on China. The EU remains heavily dependent on China for rare earths, batteries and components used in defense, aerospace and autos.

Schengen checks expand across southern Europe

Spain joined France and others tightening Schengen border controls this week. Spain is checking air and sea connections with Italy Oct 8-22, Italy with Spain Oct 1-16, France maintains checks until Oct 31 with six neighbors, and Germany until March 15 2027 with nine neighbors.

44 European industries call for urgent EU action on China trade

Forty-four European industry associations urged EU members on Oct 8 to take immediate action against unfair Chinese trade practices threatening EU manufacturing and jobs. The call, spanning metals, chemicals and automotive parts, comes a week before EU leaders meet in Brussels.

EU aviation agency widens Saudi airspace alert

EASA on Friday recommended airlines avoid additional portions of Saudi airspace after Houthi strikes on Riyadh airport, citing growing risk.

New EU competition rules take effect

EU Guidelines on Exclusionary Abuses of Dominance under Article 102 TFEU take effect Oct 9, replacing 2008 guidance.

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Europe