Core Viewpoint - The European Union's foreign direct investment (FDI) review mechanism is evolving, reflecting a shift towards strategic considerations over purely economic ones, with a notable increase in scrutiny of investments from third countries [4][14]. FDI Growth and Trends - The EU's FDI stock grew by 7.5% from 2023 to 2024, with foreign merger and acquisition transactions increasing by 10% and greenfield investments rising by 6% [3][7]. - Since 2015, the EU has seen a consistent annual increase in FDI, averaging nearly 5,250 transactions per year [7]. - In 2024, the US emerged as the largest foreign investor in the EU, accounting for 30% of merger transactions and 37% of greenfield investments, despite a 17% decline in greenfield investments compared to the previous year [7][8]. Country-Specific Insights - Germany and France were the primary destinations for foreign mergers, with Germany experiencing a 17% increase in transaction volume, while France saw a slight decline of 1.1% [8]. - Spain and Germany led in greenfield investments, capturing 24% and 12% of total projects, respectively [9]. Sector Analysis - The manufacturing sector dominated foreign merger transactions in 2024, representing 27% of the total, followed by information and communication technology (ICT) at 24% [9]. FDI Review Mechanism Developments - In 2024, EU member states submitted 477 foreign investment cases for review, with 92% processed within two weeks [12]. - The EU is proposing legislative changes to enhance the FDI review framework, aiming for mandatory establishment of national review mechanisms and minimum coordination among member states [12][13]. Strategic Implications - The proposed changes may lead to stricter investment scrutiny for Chinese investors, particularly in critical technology sectors like semiconductors and aerospace [14]. - The shift towards a more coordinated and stringent review process may conflict with the EU's foundational principles of economic liberalism [14].
欧盟FDI审查报告透露何种关键讯息?专家:外资审查机制加速“美国化”
第一财经·2025-10-24 11:49