The ECR Group today supported the revised EU framework for the screening of foreign direct investments, backing stronger safeguards for strategic sectors while ensuring that final decisions remain firmly in the hands of national governments.

The new legislation introduces mandatory screening mechanisms across the European Union for investments linked to sensitive sectors such as defence, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, critical raw materials, energy and critical infrastructure.

Francesco Torselli MEP, ECR Shadow Rapporteur on the file, welcomed the outcome as a pragmatic response to growing geopolitical risks, saying:

“Europe must remain open to investment and global trade, but we cannot afford to be naïve when it comes to strategic security interests.

“Hostile actors like Russia or China are increasingly seeking influence over critical infrastructure, sensitive technologies and key supply chains. Member States must have the ability to act when security risks arise.”

The ECR Group particularly welcomed that the final compromise avoids transferring screening powers to Brussels.

“The new framework for screening foreign investments strengthens European coordination in the most sensitive sectors, from critical infrastructure to artificial intelligence, from semiconductors to critical raw materials while avoiding a situation in which the European Union replaces Member States in taking the final decision on an investment,” Torselli said.

“National security remains a national responsibility. The final text clearly confirms that Member States retain the final say on whether a foreign investment should be authorised, restricted or prohibited. That was a key priority for the ECR Group throughout the negotiations”, he added.

According to the ECR MEP, better coordination and information-sharing between Member States can strengthen Europe’s resilience without creating an unnecessary centralised system at EU level.