On Thursday 17 October, the European Commission published its fourth annual report on screening foreign direct investments (FDIs) for the year 2023. Since 2020, investment notifications to the Commission have increased by 18%, as has the number of member countries screening FDIs. There are now only three countries without a mechanism, but they are in the process of implementing one (Cyprus, Croatia and Greece).
In June 2024, the Commission proposed making FDI screening mandatory for all Member States (see EUROPE 13335/1).
Although more and more of them are reporting FDIs, they are not doing so at the same rate, according to the annual report: 85% of notifications come from seven member countries.
Out of a total of 1,808 investment authorisation requests, 56% required screening. Member States have authorised the vast majority of these FDIs: 85% unconditional and 10% accompanied by mitigation measures. Moreover, only 1% have been blocked by national authorities. The remaining 4% were investors who eventually withdrew.
To see the 2023 annual report, go to https://aeur.eu/f/dya (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)