European Union foreign direct investment yearbook 2005 – data 1998-2003

Foreign direct investment (FDI) plays a key role in the globalisation process and is an important element affecting international relations. An international investment is classified as FDI when at least 10% of the capital of the target enterprise is acquired. The publication provides detailed data on EU - FDI for recent years (1998-2003), for both EU FDI abroad and FDI into the EU. It provides an overview of the position of the EU in World FDI and a comparison with the US. For EU FDI abroad, a particular focus is put on EU FDI in emerging countries. Finally, FDI data with major partners are detailed according to the kind of activity in which the investment takes place. Data focus on the EU as whole and, to a lesser extent, on the Member States.