Launched to coincide with the Tech & Democracy day at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit 2025, where CFG are co-hosting the day alongside Alliance of Democracies, the project addresses the pressing challenges outlined in the influential Niinistö and Draghi reports, which call for more proactive EU engagement in strategic innovation investments.

CFG identifies four key security domains where technological innovation is crucial:

• Biosecurity: Addressing vulnerabilities exposed during COVID-19 and preparing for future pandemic risks accelerated by advances in synthetic biology
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• Defence and deterrence: Responding to Europe's changing geopolitical environment through strategic investments in drone warfare and military AI applications
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• Artificial intelligence safety: Developing technologies to ensure trustworthy AI systems while closing the investment gap with global competitors
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• Climate security: Creating resilience against extreme weather events that threaten food security, water access, and public health

Explore the executive summary here.

The analysis comes at a critical moment, as Europe struggles to close significant investment gaps in emerging technologies. The EU invested merely 4% of what the US allocated to AI before 2025, while its share of global biotechnology R&D spending has dropped from 41% to 31% over two decades.

"It’s time for the EU to get on the front foot with an approach to technology innovation that builds as well as regulates," said Velislava Petrova, Chief Programme Officer. "By backing these kinds of strategic technologies, the EU can simultaneously enhance security and competitiveness while safeguarding democracy and fundamental rights."

The full project examines 10 technologies with outsized potential to address Europe's most pressing security challenges while stimulating economic growth, providing a roadmap for policymakers to turn technological development into a competitive advantage rather than a vulnerability. Parts 1 and 2 are online already.

—ENDS—

Notes to editors:

• CFG is an independent think-and-do tank created to help decision-makers anticipate and govern rapid technological change. We are here to make sure that emerging technologies are used in the best interests of humanity.
• The project can be accessed on https://cfg.eu/strategic-innovation-for-european-security/
• For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact our Chief Communication Officer, Rowan Emslie: r.emslie@cfg.eu or via +32 476 97 36 42