Fostering ‘European Technological Sovereignty’ Through the CSDP: Conceptual and Legal Challenges. First Reflections Around the 2022 Strategic Compass

The expression “European Technological Sovereignty” (ETS) has gained momentum in EU discourses. However, it is not defined in EU policy documents and legal acts. Although ETS is mainly connected with the functioning of the internal market, this idea is employed in an array of spheres where the EU enjoys different types of competences. This Insight moves from the consideration that there is room for analysing its use with reference to defence under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). First, this allows an examination of how “fostering ETS” shapes EU policy on a matter which is an expression of sovereign prerogatives but on which the EU is far removed from enjoying powers like a sovereign State. Second, this may in turn contribute to the debate on the nature and function of this category now in use. For the purposes of this Insight, the focus of the analysis will be the 2022 Strategic Compass. Accordingly, the Insight outlines a conceptual framework where the three components of ETS can be broadly understood. Then, it identifies the conceptual tenets of ETS as they appear the 2022 Strategic Compass, as well as the fields and the corresponding EU competences where the Compass envisages “fostering ETS” in relation to defence. Finally, the results of this investigation and their potential broader implications in light of the conceptual framework are discussed against the current configuration of the “defence” element of the CSDP in the Treaties.