EU Economic Security and Dual-Use Technologies in Political, Security and Research Contexts

Current geopolitical developments are prompting the European Union to reassess the traditional approach in which the economy and security were perceived separately. This article therefore examines the newly introduced European Economic Security Strategy and its relationship to research and development in the field of dual-use technologies. The analysis demonstrates that the existing fragmentation of programmes and the strict separation of civil and military research are no longer sustainable. Although initiatives such as EUDIS and STEP indicate a shift, barriers in the areas of funding, innovation procurement and legislative definitions still persist. The article argues that addressing these limitations requires improved coordination among existing instruments as well as consideration of a dedicated framework for supporting dual-use research. In conclusion, the author states that effective support for dual-use technologies is crucial for enhancing the EU's economic security, strengthening its strategic autonomy and maintaining its global competitiveness.