EU Publishes List of Critical Technologies for Protection
The European Commission has recently released a comprehensive list of critical technologies that are deemed at risk from global competitors and should be safeguarded at the EU level. This move is part of the EU’s strategy to reduce reliance on China for essential materials while also preventing the exploitation of EU technologies by geopolitical rivals, particularly in ways that compromise human rights or pose a threat to member states.
The strategy, known as de-risking, is a response to both the Covid-19 pandemic, during which Europe faced shortages of protective equipment manufactured outside the EU, and the need to prevent technology from being copied by third countries, especially when it has dual military and civilian applications.
The list of technologies recognized as critical for Europe’s security encompasses advanced semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technologies, and biotechnologies.
In the realm of advanced semiconductors, the list includes microelectronics, photonics, high-frequency chips, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment. These technologies are pivotal to a wide range of sectors, from electronics to telecommunications and defense.
Artificial intelligence technologies on the critical list encompass high-performance computing, cloud and edge computing, data analytics, computer vision, language processing, and object recognition. With AI becoming increasingly ubiquitous across industries, protecting these technologies is crucial for maintaining autonomy and ensuring that they are not used by adversaries to undermine European interests.
Quantum technologies, another critical area, encompass quantum computing, cryptography, communications, sensing, and radar. Quantum technologies hold immense potential in various fields, such as encryption, communication networks, and precision sensing. Safeguarding these technologies is paramount to protect sensitive information and maintain a competitive edge.
Lastly, biotechnologies, including genetic modification, new genomic techniques, and synthetic biology, round out the list of critical technologies. These advancements have immense implications for healthcare, agriculture, and industry, but also raise ethical and regulatory concerns. Ensuring their protection is essential for managing potential risks and maximizing their beneficial applications.
The European Commission has outlined four categories that will determine whether a risk assessment is necessary for these sensitive technologies. These categories include the use of technologies in supply chains, critical infrastructure, technology leakage, and economic coercion. However, officials stress that the strategy does not aim to employ trade measures to block the sale of these technologies.
In order to establish a comprehensive perspective and assess critical technology areas holistically, the Commission is seeking feedback from member states, including Ireland. The goal is to establish a total of ten technology areas by next spring.
Technology is currently at the heart of geopolitical competition, and the EU wants to be a player, not a playground. To achieve this, we need a united EU position based on a common assessment of the risks, emphasized an EU official.
The publication of this list underscores the European Union’s commitment to protecting and promoting its key technologies. By proactively managing risks and preventing unauthorized exploitation or misuse, the EU aims to maintain its technological sovereignty and ensure the security and well-being of its member states.
