Eurojust and the United States Department of Justice brought together senior European and US officials, prosecutors and law enforcement members for the purpose of stepping up efforts to combat the unlawful transfer of sensitive technology to foreign adversaries. The meeting on 12 July emphasised the urgent need to stop the illicit export of goods to Russia in light of its ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine.
The unlawful acquisition of sensitive technology is a significant threat to free and democratic societies around the world. When in the wrong hands, innovations that include semiconductor technology, quantum computing, biosciences and artificial intelligence can be used to increase the military capabilities of foreign adversaries. The technologies can also be used to engage in mass surveillance, suppress dissidents living abroad or commit other human rights abuses.
The meeting served as a unique opportunity for US and European partners to discuss the threats posed by the acquisition of sensitive technology by non-allied nations; exchange information about efforts to combat such threats, including relevant authorities, enforcement tools and best practices; and identify opportunities for further collaboration. As part of this discussion, the United States highlighted its Disruptive Technology Strike Force, a US inter-agency programme launched in 2023 aimed at preventing critical technologies from being unlawfully acquired.
Opening remarks were delivered by European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders, Eurojust President Ladislav Hamran, U.S. Department of Justice Assistant Attorney General for National Security Matthew G. Olsen, and Prosecutor General of Ukraine Andriy Kostin.
In his remarks, Eurojust President Mr Ladislav Hamran stated: ‘The acquisition of advanced technology by foreign adversaries is a global problem that demands a global solution. The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has only increased the urgency of finding effective solutions to this longstanding challenge. The presence of so many stakeholders at today’s meeting sends a powerful signal: we can and must do better, because in the end, this is not just about technology but about protecting innocent lives.”
In his remarks, Assistant Attorney Mr Matthew G. General Olsen said: ‘The countries represented here have a shared commitment to the common goal of combatting the national security threat posed by the misuse of critical technology. International partnerships are critical to our work. Our adversaries’ efforts to obtain sensitive technology reaches across the globe, and it demands an international response.”
The meeting was divided into topical sessions that featured speakers from EU Member States, EU institutions, other European countries and the United States. Participants highlighted recent examples of coordinated law enforcement actions against criminal actors involved in the illegal export of sensitive technology to foreign adversaries.
Participants agreed to carry the momentum forward and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting critical technology assets from being acquired or used by foreign adversaries.
