The EU Commission intends to present proposals for greater economic security this year. According to an EU document, risks can arise from certain exports and investments, through which knowledge reaches foreign rivals. Quantum computers, artificial intelligence, 6G radio, biotechnology and robotics are given as examples of fields. The aim is to make the European Union’s economy more resilient. China is not mentioned by name in the document.
However, it is likely that the measures are primarily aimed at greater independence from countries like China in strategic sectors. As issues such as national security and investment controls fall within the competence of EU states, the Commission’s proposals will not be binding. But they could influence the discussion among the 27 EU members over investment controls or high-tech cooperation with China. One of the topics is the use of components from Chinese manufacturers Huawei or ZTE in the modern 5G mobile network in Europe.
Critical Technologies
Rising geopolitical tensions, more competition and shocks from the corona pandemic and Russia’s war against Ukraine have made the risks of economic dependency clear, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said when presenting plans for the new security. “Economic security has become a priority for us,” she added.
To counter knowledge leakage on critical technologies, for example, the Commission proposes that it may exclude certain third-country institutions from research and innovation projects in duly justified cases. At the same time, it points out instruments already available for risk reduction. These included the possibility of excluding highly subsidized companies from abroad from public tenders in the EU or restrictions on trade and investment from abroad. (defendant/dpa)