BRUSSELS, Jan 15 (Reuters) – The European Commission has called on the 27 EU member states to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment of outbound investments in critical technologies like semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies. The review, which spans a 15-month period, is part of the EU’s broader effort to bolster economic security.
The Commission’s non-binding recommendation, published on Wednesday, urges member states to analyze investments made by EU companies in non-EU countries since the start of 2021. Progress reports are expected by July 2025, with final assessments due in June 2026.
A Response to Growing Risks
This initiative follows the EU’s 2024 plans to enhance economic security by tightening scrutiny on foreign investments and coordinating controls on technology exports. The measures aim to address vulnerabilities exposed by recent global crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, cyberattacks, and geopolitical tensions.
The EU remains particularly concerned about the leakage of sensitive technologies, which could be exploited by hostile military or intelligence entities. “This review of outbound investments will inform a decision on whether further action is needed – at EU and/or national levels – to address any risks identified,” the Commission stated.
Focus on Strategic Technologies
The targeted technologies—semiconductors, AI, and quantum computing—are viewed as critical to maintaining the EU’s competitive edge in a rapidly evolving global economy. However, they also represent areas of potential exploitation by rivals, notably China, which has been at the center of previous concerns over technology transfers.
A Coordinated Effort
By coordinating risk assessments across member states, the EU aims to ensure a unified approach to economic security challenges. The outcome of this review could lead to stricter regulations on outbound investments or additional safeguards at both national and EU levels.
The initiative comes at a time of heightened geopolitical sensitivity, with experts predicting increased tensions during U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s second term. The Commission’s move underscores the importance of economic resilience and protecting strategic technologies from potential misuse.
