The European Union is a world leader in nanotechnology environmental, health and safety (EHS) risk regulation, and since its policy integration has been increasingly active in promoting international coordination and cooperation on nanotechnology risk governance. What affects its ability to influence nanotechnology risk regulation and governance internationally? This analysis focuses on the European Union (EU) level arguing that the EU’s scientific and regulatory capacities have significant explanatory power. Empirically, the article examines three cases of EU influence in key areas of international nanotechnology risk regulation and governance – nanosafety research for regulatory purpose, science diplomacy, and multilateral risk governance, following its integrated policy.

The impact of the European Union (EU) in strengthening nanotechnology risk regulation in non-EU countries is still an under-researched topic. This article focuses on the EU’s influence on its trading partners, using the case study of Israel, which in 2023 adopted restrictions on nanotechnology in cosmetics products following the EU. It is argued that EU risk regulation have been both a trigger and a formative factor for the development of Israeli nanomaterials restrictions. The importance and economic interdependence in the EU market for cosmetics has prompted a response from Israeli policymakers. In addition, the EU regulatory capacity through its expertise and sanctioning authority have influenced the Israeli regulatory agenda. The article shows that the impact of EU regulation also coincided with domestic economic factors, concerns about technology policy and policymakers’ preference for stringent standards. Israel’s risk regulation of nanomaterials in cosmetics provides a useful case study for analyzing the EU’s regulatory impact on its trading partners. Once again, stricter EU’s health and safety regulation drives those of its trading partner upward.