CC-BY-4.0: © European Union 2023– Source: EP
The EU has excluded Chinese organizations from critical areas of its flagship research program Horizon Europe starting in 2026.
The measure's goal: protecting intellectual property and securing Europe's technological sovereignty.
What gets excluded
The €93 billion program remains blocked for China in the following areas:
Area | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
AI & quantum tech | 🚫 Blocked | Protection against technology leakage and military use. |
Semiconductors (chips) | 🚫 Blocked | Strategic independence in focus. |
Biotechnology | 🚫 Blocked | Security concerns regarding genetic data. |
Climate & energy | ✅ Permitted | Cooperation on global environmental goals continues. |
Agriculture | ✅ Permitted | Cooperation on biodiversity and food security. |
Reactions from China
❝"The policy will not harm China much and could make Europe appear more isolated."
Wu Ji, senior space scientistOther experts warn: China is now the world's leading producer of AI research. The restrictions could long-term reduce EU access to Chinese talent and contribute to a more fragmented global research landscape.
Sources: SCMP, Horizon Programme (pdf), The Legal Wire
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