EU member states back calls for Chips Act changes

"The Semicon Coalition, a group now composed of all 27 EU member states, has signed a declaration [PDF] setting out its goal for a stronger Chips Act to bolster Europe's position in the global semiconductor industry. It follows earlier calls from European chipmakers to look beyond the Chips Act and do more to support other areas of the sector, not just manufacturing, while the European Semiconductor Industry Association (ESIA) also previously said it would like to see more public funding and greater input on decisions."

"In response, the European Commission says it is already conducting an evaluation and review of the initiative, and opened a public consultation and call for evidence earlier this month. Those with an interest in the sector are invited to share their views on how the Chips Act is performing today and how it should be adapted. The declaration says a revised version of the strategy must address Europe's vulnerabilities, and aim to make its chip industries stronger in response to geopolitical, technological, and environmental challenges."

"Those challenges include volatility with America - the Trump administration is using every trick it can think of to force tech companies to dance to its tune - and China's attempts to push chipmakers in other countries out of business by flooding the global market with cheap subsidized products. However, on the strategic objectives for an updated silicon initiative, the declaration says the amibiton to achieve 20 percent share of the global semiconductor market by 2030 is currently unachievable -"

Momentum is building for a Chips Act 2.0 to strengthen Europe's competitiveness amid geopolitical uncertainty affecting global markets and supply chains. The Semicon Coalition of all 27 EU member states signed a declaration calling for a stronger strategy that goes beyond manufacturing to support broader sector needs, increase public funding, and give industry greater input. The European Commission is conducting an evaluation and has opened a public consultation and call for evidence. The declaration calls for addressing Europe's vulnerabilities and making chip industries more resilient to geopolitical, technological, and environmental challenges. The 20 percent market-share ambition for 2030 is described as currently unachievable due to a lack of clear strategic direction.

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