EU to unveil economic security plans with eye to China

The European Union on Wednesday will announce a number of measures it hopes will help keep sensitive technology and key infrastructure out of the hands of global rivals, notably China.

The proposed rules would require more rigorous screening of investments from abroad, tighter controls on exports and more restrictions on who can participate in researching key technologies.

Although the plan does not mention any specific country, the initiatives come as the EU focuses on "de-risking" its economic relations with China, the bloc's most important trading partner.

According to a draft text seen by the AFP news agency, the plan will address "risks to EU economic security while ensuring that the EU remains a most attractive destination for business and investment."

"Geopolitical tensions and the pace of technological change mean there is a need for more coordinated action at EU level," the document reportedly said.

Critics have, however, warned that they will be difficult to enforce given that every EU member state retains control over its own foreign policy.

What do the measures entail?

Alongside its calls to tighten screening of foreign direct investment (FDI), the European Commission wants to see improved coordination on controlling exports of key technologies.

In October, the EU unveiled a list of four critical technologies — advanced semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum computing and biotechnology — that it considers the biggest risks if they fall into what it sees as the wrong hands.

The Commission is also to outline measures on export controls of so-called dual-use technologies — products that can also have a military application alongside their civilian use.

The EU executive launched a debate on the bloc's security in June, saying that the COVID pandemic, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, cyber and infrastructure attacks and increased geopolitical tensions had highlighted several new risks.