Urging more R&D funding and global competitiveness post-Chips Act of the EU, SEMI and ESIA unite political leaders to push for a stronger European semiconductor strategy.
SEMI and the European Semiconductor Industry Association (ESIA) have rallied political support to enhance Europe’s semiconductor strategy. The two organisations hosted a high-level roundtable at the European Parliament, supported by MEPs Bart Groothuis (Renew Europe), Oliver Schenk (European People’s Party), and Dan Nica (Socialists and Democrats Party).
The discussion centred on how to build on the success of the 2023 European Chips Act, which made strides in improving Europe’s semiconductor capabilities and overall industrial competitiveness.
Following the event, MEPs signed a declaration urging Henna Virkkunen, the European Commission’s Executive Vice President for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy, to initiate a follow-up action to the Chips Act. The proposal calls for additional investment in research and development (R&D), new funding initiatives, and measures to bolster Europe’s position in the global semiconductor market.
Laith Altimime, SEMI Europe’s President, emphasised the importance of increasing Europe’s technological capabilities and accelerating innovation within the semiconductor sector.
“The creation of a new European semiconductor strategy was a focal point of the discussion today, emphasising on the increasing need to boost the technological capabilities and accelerate innovation across the European semiconductor ecosystem,” he said.
While both SEMI and ESIA acknowledged the progress made by European policymakers, they stressed the need for a comprehensive, holistic strategy to address ongoing challenges in semiconductor design, manufacturing, R&D, and the supply of materials and equipment.
Frédérique Le Grevès, ESIA Vice-President, outlined three critical priorities for the sector: the establishment of a clear European semiconductor strategy, revisions to the Chips Act to streamline administrative procedures, and strategies to build resilience in trade and foreign policy.
“We must identify the right approach to trade and foreign policy leading to more resilience,” he stated.
SEMI connects over 3000 companies worldwide, driving innovation in the semiconductor and electronics sectors through advocacy and development programmes. ESIA represents Europe’s semiconductor industry, promoting competitiveness and supporting 200,000 direct jobs. The sector contributes significantly to the EU’s economic growth, generating at least 10 per cent of global GDP through micro- and nano-electronics.
