On the European monitoring of outbound investments

As part of its Economic Security Strategy, the EU proposed an analysis of European outbound investments in certain high-tech technologies, namely quantum, artificial intelligence, semiconductors and biotechnology. The analysis is supposed to be carried out by the EU member states and deepen the understanding of whether certain investments of European companies abroad actually jeopardise Europe's economic security.

Bitkom sees foreign investment as a necessary tool for European companies to grow and remain globally competitive. In 2022, German companies alone invested €169 billion abroad, highlighting this and the importance of free trade for European prosperity. We are therefore critical of the proposed analysis. In addition, we believe that the debate on foreign investment has been too hasty and insufficient to create a common understanding of the potential threats. Thus, we advocate for a broader European debate on the issue and a coherent methodology that also includes an assessment of the benefits of outbound investments and is not only focused on vaguely defined risks.