European Commission: EU foreign investment screening and export controls help underpin European security

 

 The European Commission analysed over 420 foreign direct investments (FDI) into the EU over the past year, according to the Annual Report on FDI Screening released today. In addition, EU Member States blocked 560 requests for exports of dual use goods over the same period. This level of activity demonstrates a clear commitment by the European Commission and Member States to safeguarding European security and public order in times of increased geopolitical tensions.

EU Member States which operate FDI screening regimes are required to notify foreign direct investments to the other Member States and to the European Commission if these investments risk affecting security or public order in more than one Member State or have an impact on strategic projects or programmes of interest to the whole EU. The Commission then analyses the notified investments and where there are concerns, the Commission or other Member States can share them with the notifying Member State, which then takes these into account when deciding on the investment.

[Press release, 19 October 2023]