The European Commission outlined four technological areas that need protection to prevent rivals from exploiting European know‑how and undermining peace, security, and fundamental rights. On Tuesday, a panel of commissioners approved a proposal focusing on advanced semiconductors, quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, and biotechnologies. These four areas are identified as critical to the EU’s economic security and are slated for a joint risk assessment by year’s end.
Technology sits at the heart of geopolitical competition, and the EU intends to shape events rather than be a passive arena. The vice president of the European Commission, Vera Jourova, notes that the proposal aims to keep Europe open and predictable on the global stage while strengthening the single market. It is also pointed out that other nations are pursuing similar steps. Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton adds that this approach is not meant to be protectionist.
The decision forms part of a broader strategy launched in late June by the community leadership to safeguard Europe’s economic security. This strategy seeks to reduce dependencies on raw materials, mitigate technology leakage, and resist external pressures from third countries, including China and Russia. In total, ten critical technologies are under consideration, spanning robotics, space and propulsion, energy including nuclear, and manufacturing technologies, among others. The current proposal singles out four areas deemed most likely to face immediate and sensitive risks, particularly around security and technology leakage.
Chips, AI, quantum, and biotechnology
First, advanced semiconductor technologies encompass microelectronics, photonics, high‑frequency chips, and the equipment used to manufacture semiconductors. Second, artificial intelligence focuses on high‑performance computing, cloud and edge processing, data analysis, computer vision, natural language processing, and object recognition. Third, quantum technologies cover computing, cryptography, quantum communication, quantum sensing, and radar. Finally, biotechnologies emphasize genetic modification methods, new genomic techniques, gene drives, and synthetic biology. The list is not fixed and may evolve as assessments continue.
When selecting sectors, Brussels considered how enabling and transformative each technology might be, their potential to drive radical changes across civilian and military domains, and the risk of civil or military entanglements. The aim is to assess technology relevance for civilian use while guarding against any misuse that could threaten peace, security, or human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Officials stress the need for ongoing monitoring of critical technologies, assessment of risks, and decisive action to protect strategic interests and security. Europe is adapting to new geopolitical realities and seeking to reduce vulnerabilities that could affect its stability and prosperity. This approach reflects a broader commitment to responsible leadership in a rapidly shifting global landscape.
The next step is a collective risk assessment by the European Commission and member states, to be completed before year’s end. The process will involve consulting the private sector while ensuring confidentiality. Depending on the outcomes, new initiatives could be proposed in spring 2024 to address identified risks. The assessment will determine whether export controls or other measures are warranted to protect one or more of these technological areas or sub‑areas. The goal remains to balance openness with strategic protection, guided by a careful, evidence‑driven process and validated by a transparent, multi‑stakeholder review.