European Commission defined four technological areas must be protected to prevent competitors such as Chinese Taking undue advantage of the know-how of European companies and using it to undermine peace, security And fundamental rights. This Tuesday, the panel of commissioners approved a proposal described in advanced semiconductors, quantum technologies, artificial intelligence and biotechnologies It has been identified as four “technological areas critical to the economic security of the EU” that should undergo a collective risk assessment before the end of the year.
“Technology is at the center of geopolitical competition and the EU wants to be an actor, not a playing field,” says the European Commission vice-president: Vera JourovaThis ensures that despite this recommendation the EU will remain an open and predictable global partner and that what the proposal will do is further strengthen the single market. “We are not the first to do this. Other states are doing the same.” United States of America19 of which (technologies on their list) but also UK, Japan or Australia“added the Internal Market Commissioner, Thierry Breton He insists that this European approach does not mean being protectionist.
The decision is part of a strategy launched by the head of the community manager in late June. Ursula von der LeyenPromoting Europe’s economic security and minimizing the risks arising from it European dependency of raw materials, including energy, technology leakage or economic pressure Third countries such as China or Russia. These in total 10 critical technologies identified in the process – robotics, space and propulsion, energy including nuclear, materials and technologies for manufacturing production, among others – but the proposal points to four areas assessed as “highly likely” to be submitted “more sensitive and immediate” risks It’s about security and technology leaks.
Chips, artificial intelligence, quantum and biotechnology
First, advanced semiconductor technologies microelectronics, photonic, high frequency chips and semiconductor manufacturing equipment. Second, artificial intelligence (AI) and especially high performance computingcomputing cloud and edge, data analysis, computer visionHE language processing And object recognition. Third, quantum technologies such as computing, cryptography, quantum communication, quantum detection And Radar. And finally biotechnologies and more specifically, genetic modification techniques, new genomic techniquesHE ‘gene drive’ And synthetic biology. “This list is not fixed,” Breton said.
When determining the sectors, Brussels took into account criteria such as the enabling and transformative nature of technology, the potential and suitability of technologies to lead to radical changes in both sectors and capabilities, and the risk of civil and military mergers. That is, the relevance and potential of the technologies in question for the civilian and military sectors, and the risk that some technologies will be used to undermine peace and security. Finally, the Commission also took into account the risk that the technology could be used to: violate human rights And Restricting fundamental freedoms.
“We need to constantly monitor our critical technologies, assess the risks to which we are exposed, and take action when necessary to protect our strategic interests and security. Europe is adapting to new geopolitical realities and putting an end to the crisis.” age of purity and i act like that real geopolitical power“It vindicates the Internal Market Commissioner.
The next step will now be one collective risk assessment by the European Commission and Member States before the end of the year. The review should include consultation with the private sector and ensure confidentiality is maintained; Depending on the results, Community Management may propose new initiatives in this regard. spring 2024 To address identified risks. “The recommendation shall not prejudge the outcome of the risk assessment. Only the result of a detailed collective assessment of the level and nature of the risks presented can form the basis for further discussion on the need for precise and proportionate measures to promote, associate and associate or any of these technological areas protect one or any subset of these,” Brussels may choose to impose export controls and restrictions.