EU Asks for Risk Assessments of Chip, AI, Quantum Investments

(Bloomberg) -- The European Union asked member states to review investments by their companies in non-EU countries in sensitive sectors like semiconductors and artificial intelligence.

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As part of a broader effort to boost the bloc’s economic security, the EU wants governments to assess potential risks and help prevent key technologies from falling “into the wrong hands,” according to a news release. The initial assessments, which also cover quantum technologies, are due July 15, with a full assessment coming by March 2026.

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The investment review is one element in a modest package of proposals the EU unveiled a year ago to counter a growing rivalry with China and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It takes on an added dimension with Donald Trump set to return to the White House.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen originally proposed creating a formal legislative proposal for an outbound investment tool, but member states were skeptical about the need for such an instrument. That leaves the bloc continuing consultations with governments on potential risks.

Last year, the commission concluded that the EU had “a substantial knowledge gap and a very limited picture of the outbound investments made by EU investors” and is trying to create some common standards across the bloc.

--With assistance from Alberto Nardelli.

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