The EU Commission unveils a set of proposals for the screening of foreign direct investments into the EU

On 13 September 2017 the EU Commission unveiled a set of proposals for the screening of foreign direct investments into the EU. Whereas the Commission recognises the benefits of foreign direct investment and its importance for growth, jobs and innovation in the EU, it also wants to be in a position to take action where foreign investment may affect security or public order. Announcing the proposals in his annual State of the Union address, Mr Juncker stated that "We are not naïve free traders. Europe must always defend its strategic interests. This is why we are proposing a new framework for investment screening". The proposals are set out in a draft Regulation which establishes a framework with which the Member States' national screening mechanisms will need to comply. The Commission