CELIS Newsflash: EU – European Commission adds further programmes to the list of projects and programmes of “Union interest” under EU-FDI Screening Regulation

Today, on 3 December 2021, the Commission delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2126 of 29 September 2021 has been published. It amends the Annex to Regulation (EU) 2019/452, commonly known as the “EU-FDI Screening Regulation”. The amendments concern the list of projects or programmes of Union interest under Art. 8 of the EU-FDI Screening Regulation. Under this provision the Commission may issue an opinion addressed to the Member State where a foreign direct investment is planned or has been completed, if it considers that the said investment is likely to affect projects or programmes of Union interest on grounds of security or public order. The list of those projects and programmes which are considered “of Union interest” has been significantly expanded and now includes, among others, the following projects and programmes: the Space Programme (which has been established in April 2021), the Digital Europe Programme (established in April 2021 as well) and the European Defence Fund as well as the Europe4Health Programme (both dating from the first quarter of 2021).

If you are interested in which other projects or programmes have been added to the list, you may consult the Regulation here.