The Commission has released a recommendation for EU Member States to review investments to non-EU countries. This pertains to crucial technology sectors like semiconductors, AI, and quantum technologies, emphasizing the importance of assessing economic security risks.
The review aims to decide if further actions are needed at EU or national levels to mitigate identified risks. The goal is to safeguard the EUs economic security by preventing key technologies from reaching unintended parties.
The recommendation stems from a White Paper and public consultation highlighting the necessity to evaluate potential security risks. It is part of the EUs Economic Security Strategy, alongside ongoing foreign investment screenings.
Effective EU measures on economic security also rely on cooperation with third countries. The Commission plans to engage with allies on outbound investment reviews.
Next steps
The recommendation asks Member States to collaborate with stakeholders to review investments in key technologies in third countries, covering transactions since January 2021. A progress report is due by July 2025, with a full report by March 2026.
For More Information
Commission Recommendation on Outbound Investments
Joint Communication on the European Economic Security Strategy, June 2023
Commission Recommendation on critical technology areas, October 2023
White Paper on Outbound Investments, January 2024
Summary of public consultation on the White Paper on Outbound Investments, July 2024