EU to assess export controls on AI tech and semiconductor chips
The European Commission is conducting risk assessments and considering export controls on “critical technology areas,” including artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor technologies, according to a press release from the ommission.
On Oct. 3, European Union officials said they identified four areas that need assessment regarding technology risk and risk of technology leakage: AI, advanced semiconductors technologies, quantum technologies and biotechnologies.
According to the announcement, these technologies were chosen based on their transformative nature, the risk of civil or military fusion and the risk that the technology could be used to violate human rights.
Thierry Breton, commissioner for the internal market of the European Union, called the move an important step for EU resilience, adding:
He continued, “Europe is adapting to the new geopolitical realities, putting an end to the era of naivety and acting as a real geopolitical power.”
The risk assessments will be carried out by the end of the year. Any results or initiatives based on the risk assessments will be presented by spring 2024.
Related: US and Vietnam make deals on AI chips and tech worth billions
The commission says the next steps include engaging with the 27 EU member states to begin collective assessments of the abovementioned areas.
This development follows the European Commission’s June 20 enactment of the Joint Communication on European Economic Security Strategy, which is a pillared initiative including “protection against risks” and promoting European competitiveness in specific markets.
The United States has also been focusing on assessing the export risks of its own technology in similar sectors. Recently, it banned the export of
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