EU seeks tech investment review to guard economic security

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Commission requested the 27 EU members on Wednesday to conduct a 15-month risk assessment of outbound investments in semiconductor, artificial intelligence and quantum technologies, which could lead to measures to protect EU economic security.

EU members should review investments by their companies in non-EU countries going back to the start of 2021, providing a progress report in July 2025 and a final report in June 2026, the Commission said in a non-binding recommendation published on Wednesday.

The EU set out plans a year ago to bolster economic security through closer scrutiny of foreign investments and more coordinated controls on exports and outflows of technology to rivals such as China.

The plans were a response to the multiple risks exposed by the COVID pandemic, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, cyber and infrastructure attacks and geopolitical tensions, which could increase during President-elect Donald Trump's second term.

The EU is particularly concerned by technology leakage that could be put to use by hostile military or intelligence services.

"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 said.

(Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop; Editing by Sharon Singleton)

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