EU bans Chinese bodies from critical tech programmes, including AI and chips

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by Ling XinFebruary 21, 2026 at 11:00 AM

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The European Union has banned Chinese organizations from participating in its Horizon Europe program, a €93 billion initiative funding collaborative technology research. Effective this year, the ban applies to "critical areas" including artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, semiconductors, and biotechnology. The EU cites concerns over research security and potential military applications as the reason for the restrictions. Researchers outside of China applying in these fields must also demonstrate that their partner institutions are not owned or controlled by Chinese entities. The new rules, released in December, dedicate significant attention to restrictions specifically targeting China. Some specialists believe the impact of the ban may be limited due to already reduced collaboration in these areas.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Washington 30% Beijing 30% United States 40% Semiconductors 60% Quantum Technologies 60% Biotechnology 60% Artificial Intelligence (AI) ×270% Horizon Europe 70% China ×490% European Union ×290%

Keywords

artificial intelligence 90% semiconductors 80% technology 80% quantum technologies 70% eu 70% china 70% research 70% research security 60% horizon europe 60% biotechnology 60%