“html
Brussels/Bratislava – On Wednesday, the European Commission (EC) released a recommendation urging EU member states to evaluate their companies' outbound foreign investments to non-EU nations. This announcement was made by European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maroš Šefčovič, according to reports from TASR.
The EC's recommendation focuses on three high-risk technological sectors of strategic importance: semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies. The Commission emphasized the need for member states to assess potential economic security risks associated with these investments.
Šefčovič stated in a media briefing, “The EU is and will continue to be a leader in attracting and facilitating world-class investments. However, the current geopolitical landscape requires us to better understand the risks that these investments may pose. Evaluating EU investments in essential technology sectors will help us identify the potential threats we encounter.”
He noted that this understanding will enable the EC to bolster the EU’s economic security and inform future political decisions while enhancing the robust and open investment climate within the EU.
“I encourage all EU member states to adhere to these recommendations, as they will benefit us collectively in the long run,” the Slovak Commissioner remarked.
The EC indicated that the review of outbound investments will yield insights that could determine whether additional measures need to be implemented at either the EU or national level to mitigate any identified risks. The goal is to safeguard the Union’s economic security by ensuring key technologies and expertise do not end up in the wrong hands.
This recommendation is part of the EU’s broader economic security strategy and aligns with ongoing initiatives to scrutinize direct foreign investments. The strategy underscores that effective EU measures on economic security issues are contingent upon collaboration and coordination with third countries.
In its recommendation, the Commission calls for member states to assess outbound investments by EU investors in third countries concerning the three specified key technologies, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. This assessment is set to last 15 months and should encompass both ongoing and past transactions from January 1, 2021.
Member states are expected to provide a progress report by July 15, 2025, and a comprehensive summary report detailing the implementation of this recommendation and any identified risks by March 31, 2026. (January 15)
“However, the current geopolitics means that we need to better understand the potential risks that investments may bring. Assessing EU investments in key technological areas will allow us to gain a clearer picture of the potential threats we face.” Maroš Šefčovič
“
Leave a Reply