Strategic Minerals: A Transatlantic Priority

Resource Security: A Transatlantic Priority

On May 18, 2009 the CSIS New European Democracies Project (NEDP) hosted a roundtable session to assess the challenges and opportunities faced by the transatlantic community in ensuring a predictable supply of strategic minerals. Insufficient attention has been paid to a broad range of important minerals that are scarce sources of renewable energy and whose continuing and increasing provision are essential for the functioning of industry and commerce throughout the developed world. Participants strongly agreed that disruptions in supply and provisioning could have significant negative effects on economic development, political stability, and national security for both the United States and the European Union (EU). They further concluded that transatlantic cooperation should be a priority as competition for these rare resources has increased.

Speakers:

Geopolitical Overview:
Roman Kupchinsky
Partner, AZEast Group
former Senior Analyst, RFE/RL

U.S. Perspective:
W. David Menzie
Chief, International Minerals Section
Minerals Information Team
United States Geological Survey

U.S. National Security Perspective:
Kent Hughes Butts, Ph.D.
Director, National Security Issues Branch
Center for Strategic Leadership
US Army War College

EU Perspective:
Seppo Nurmi
Deputy Head of Trade
European Union Delegation of the European Commission
Washington, DC

Moderator:
William Siefken, New European Democracies, CSIS