Stephane Sejourne, the European Commission’s executive vice president for prosperity and industrial strategy, stressed the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for cooperation between Japan and the European Union. Collectively, they can exploit the rare-earth mineral wealth and other resources available in Greenland. In an exclusive interview with Nikkei on September 16, 2025, Sejourne discussed his concept for a strategic trilateral quadrilateral. He wants to improve resource security for both areas.
Sejourne’s comments come as worldwide demand for rare-earth elements takes off. That increase is driven by advances in energy efficiency and emissions cutting technologies and the rapidly expanding renewable energy industry. In that statement, he particularly focused on the need to diversify supply chains. Securing our access to these strategic materials is key to stabilizing our economy and leading the technological future.
In his interview with Nikkei, Sejourne defended Greenland’s underexploited potential as a future supplier of rare earths. He pointed out that there was much to gain for both Japan and the EU by working together. It would signal a commitment to pursue sustainable development within Greenland. By jointly investing in exploration and extraction efforts, both parties can enhance their resource independence while contributing to the local economy.
The interview, which was published on September 17, 2025, at 01:24 JST, featured a photograph of Sejourne taken by Seiko Ota. His insights reflect a growing recognition of the need for international partnerships in the face of geopolitical uncertainties surrounding resource availability.
Sejourne’s statements reflect what we’ve been hearing all over the world about the need for a new approach to resource management. As nations seek to navigate complex supply chains influenced by geopolitical tensions, the ability to collaboratively secure essential materials becomes increasingly vital. He pointed out that Japan and the EU had a unique opportunity to demonstrate how cooperative approaches to resource development could be implemented.
Along with rare-earth minerals, Sejourne highlighted uranium and lithium deposits in Greenland that could be developed under this partnership. He urged Japan and the EU to show courage and lead the way. Collectively they need to develop models and establish standards that stimulate collaborative efforts and plural private investment in these fields.
The collaborative proposal between Japan and the EU highlights an important strategic turn in how countries view the procurement of resources. Together, they can overcome the dangers posed by over-reliance on single sources and ultimately improve their joint economic resilience.