FDI screening

The European framework for screening of foreign direct investment (FDI) has the following objectives: 

- it protects security and public order within the EU

- it ensures that foreign direct investments do not undermine strategic interests

- it facilitates cooperation and information-sharing among EU Member States and the European Commission. 

 

The Regulation (EU) 2019/452 - known as FDI Screening Regulation - establishing an EU FDI screening framework entered into force on 10 April 2019. Its cooperation mechanism has applied since 11 October 2020. It does not create a single EU-wide screening mechanism but coordinates national systems and establishes minimum standards.

The Regulation complements the EU’s overall investment policy framework by ensuring that the EU’s openness to FDI is balanced by appropriate controls of potential threats.

More information on FDI screening is available on the DG Trade website.

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Frequently asked questions

  1. When the tariff refers to weight, is it gross weight or net weight?
  2. How can I find the import duty that applies to my product?
  3. If I want to sell my product in several EU countries, are there import duties to pay each time my product enters a different country?
  4. Can I get a list of products charged at 0% import duty?
  5. Are excise duties applied at EU or at national level?
  6. How is VAT charged in the EU?
  7. How can I get approval to export fish to the EU?
  8. Does food exported to the EU have to come from an EU-authorised establishment?
  9. Do I have to pay to use My Trade Assistant for Services and Investment?
  10. In which languages in My Trade Assistant for Services and Investment available?