The EC has released a White Paper and launched a public consultation on future options for enhancing support of research and development (R&D) of technologies with dual-use potential. Dual-use technologies are those that can serve both civilian and military purposes.
The White Paper contributes to the ‘promote’ dimension of the Economic Security Strategy package (adopted on 24 January 2024) and aims to maintain a competitive edge in critical and emerging technologies with the potential to be used for both civil and defence purposes. It examines existing EU funding programs in light of current geopolitical challenges and evaluates their effectiveness in supporting technologies with dual-use potential.
It then presents three options for moving forward:
- Build upon and improve the current set-up under the current
multiannual financial framework - Remove the exclusive focus on civil applications in selected parts of the successor programme to Horizon Europe (FP10)
- Create a dedicated instrument with a specific focus on R&D with dual-use potential
In an open public consultation, public authorities, civil society, industry, and academia are invited to provide their insights on the three options set out. This feedback will be summarized by the EC and presented to the European Parliament and Council to contribute to the legislative debate, in line with the EC’s commitment presented in the Joint Communication on the European Economic Security Strategy.
The feedback period is open until April 30, 2024 (00:00 Brussels time). To contribute, individuals are required to register or log in using their existing social media accounts. Feedback will be published on the Commission’s site and must adhere to feedback rules.
This White Paper accompanies two others, which are also part of the Economic Security Strategy package and open to public consultation: the White Paper on Dual-Use Export Controls and the Recommendation to monitor outbound investments for further risk assessment.