EU Adapts Economic Security Plans Amid Member State Resistance to China De-risking

The EU has faced resistance from member states, including France and Germany, in its efforts to implement a strategy to de-risk ties with China, particularly in the realm of investment screening and export controls. The controversial elements of the strategy have been delayed until 2025, with the EU opting for monitoring exercises and consultation with member states and stakeholders. The commission aims to harmonize member states' export control regimes and tighten existing screening of foreign investments to safeguard against Chinese or other authoritarian powers acquiring strategic European tech companies. There are concerns about the conflation of national and economic security, as well as the need to prevent European technology from strengthening the Chinese military.