The European Commission is set to evaluate the potential risks associated with four critical technologies, which include semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and biotechnologies such as vaccines and genome sequencing, being utilized for military purposes by nations that do not share the EU’s values. An EU official has revealed that measures to address these concerns will be taken in the coming year.
This initiative aligns with the European Union’s economic security strategy, which was unveiled in June and mirrors similar actions taken by countries like the United States and Australia, who are also wary of China’s growing assertiveness in these areas.
The European Commission, in collaboration with member states, will conduct risk assessments for these four technologies by year-end, with plans to implement risk-mitigation measures in the following year. These measures may involve implementing export controls and forming partnerships with like-minded allies.
In recent times, the European Union has been working to reduce its reliance on China and other nations for essential goods, a move driven by disruptions in global supply chains caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine, which triggered an energy crisis within the bloc.