EU Takes Action to Safeguard Sensitive Technologies from Foreign Threats

The European Commission has identified four sensitive technology areas - advanced semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology - that will be carefully scrutinized for potential risks, particularly in the hands of rival countries like China. The EU aims to develop a strategy to guarantee its economic security and reduce dependencies on critical minerals and natural gas. While the EU executive branch did not explicitly mention China, the move aligns with a broader strategy of "de-risking" relations with Beijing. The next step involves consulting EU member states to decide on measures, which could include export controls, increased investment in the EU, or partnerships to reduce dependencies. The selected technology areas were chosen based on their transformative power, potential military use, and potential for human rights infringements.