Europe's titanium dilemma

Titanium is the metal of choice when lightness, strength and corrosion resistance are important. Without titanium, neither the engines of modern jets would work reliably, nor would spacecraft be able to withstand extreme temperatures. However, the EU does not produce a single gram of titanium sponge and is almost completely dependent on a few supplier countries. Geopolitical tensions, trade restrictions and increasing demand, especially from the aerospace industry, make titanium a strategic risk factor. This makes it all the more important to reduce dependency. Recycling, innovative production processes and new partnerships could pave the way for a more robust, sustainable supply. The study "Titanium metal in the EU: Strategic relevance and circularity potential" by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre sheds light on how the titanium supply chain works today, where the greatest risks lie - and how Europe can mitigate it with a circular economy, technology and smart policies.