The European Union (EU) unveiled an ambitious plan on Tuesday, aimed at safeguarding its economic and security interests in a bid to shield its cutting-edge technologies from foreign surveillance. This strategic move comes in response to persistent warnings about the necessity for the bloc to mitigate risks associated with its relations with China.
European Commission Vice President Vera Jourova emphasized the pivotal role of technology in contemporary geopolitical competition, asserting that the EU aims to assert itself as a significant player, rather than a mere playground for others. To bolster the security of its relatively open market, the European Commission is urging member states to conduct immediate risk assessments of their most critical industries. These industries include advanced semiconductor production, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and biotechnologies.
These sectors are identified as “highly likely to present the most sensitive and immediate risks related to technology security and technology leakage,” thus warranting the highest level of protection. While the European Commission refrained from explicitly singling out any particular country, the EU has repeatedly stressed the need for preparedness to develop measures that safeguard trade and investments, which could potentially be exploited by China for its security and military objectives.
Despite the recognition of China’s significance on the global stage, Jourova emphasized that the EU’s approach was not specific to any one country. Thierry Breton, the EU’s internal market commissioner, expanded on this notion, explaining that the intention was to de-risk relationships, not just with China, but with all nations, and even with like-minded partners if circumstances required.
The exact nature of the measures that will follow the risk assessments remains somewhat unclear. Nevertheless, these initiatives represent the latest chapter in the EU’s ongoing challenge of defining its relationship with Beijing. Despite fundamental differences on issues such as human rights and state involvement in the economy, the EU has recognized that complete decoupling from a global superpower like China is not a viable option. Consequently, the EU’s approach has focused on de-risking relationships and fortifying the protection of its vital economic sectors against undue external interference.
