WHICH TECHNOLOGIES DID THE EU LABEL AS CRITICAL?

The European Commission publishes a list of ten critical technologies that it aims to protect in order to enhance the economic security of the European Union. These technologies will be the subject of special attention from policymakers to prevent the theft of intellectual property from hostile countries. The EU will also encourage the development of these technologies through various measures such as additional support and partnerships with like-minded allies.

Four of the ten technologies identified are considered to be the most sensitive and at greatest risk of know-how leakage. These are advanced semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and some biotechnologies such as vaccines, genome sequencing and synthetic biology.

The list also consists of second-tier technologies in cybersecurity, advanced sensors, space and propulsion technologies, nuclear energy, hydrogen, renewable energy (such as photovoltaics and smart grids), robotics, drones and advanced materials.

Věra Jourová, Vice-President of the European Commission, said the EU wants to be an active participant, not a passive player, in these technologies. The aim is for Europe to invest strategically in its own competitiveness and improve its technological edge to prepare for potential worst-case scenarios in the future.

The European Commission will seek the approval of the 27 Member States for its approach. The plan is to create a framework to ensure the protection of these critical technologies, promoting their development within the EU while avoiding the theft of intellectual property from external threats. In this way, Europe aims to strengthen its economic security and maintain its technological edge in critical sectors.