European Semiconductor Industry Rallies for Support in European Union Long-Term Budget

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Seeking to explore semiconductor policy measures that can strengthen Europe’s industrial ecosystem, SEMI, the European Semiconductor Industry Association (ESIA), the Global Electronics Association (formerly IPC), and the European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA) have successfully held a roundtable in Brussels, bringing together representatives from the European Commission and national governments.

The 2023 European Chips Act marked an important milestone for Europe’s semiconductor industry and overall industrial ecosystem, providing concrete measures to enhance competitiveness and technological capabilities. In order to build on the success of the Chips Act, the next 2028-2034 Multi-Annual Financial Framework (MFF) – the long-term budget of the European Union – must continue to deliver strategic investments to support manufacturing capabilities, research and development (R&D), supply chain resilience and access to critical raw materials.

“The creation of a new European semiconductor strategy was a focal point of the roundtable discussion, emphasizing on the increasing need to boost the technological capabilities and accelerate innovation across the European semiconductor ecosystem,” said Laith Altimime, President, SEMI Europe. “We look forward to continuing our discussions with the European Commission to make sure the MFF effectively supports the semiconductor industry’s pivotal role in technology advancement.”

SEMI applauded the ongoing initiatives of European policymakers, together with the progress already made to bolster the European semiconductor ecosystem. Nevertheless, considering the existing concerns and challenges of industry raised during this forum, the European semiconductor ecosystem requires a holistic approach that decisively supports competitiveness while preserving supply chain resilience and security in the longer term.

SEMI will continue to engage with the relevant policymakers and stakeholders to create a policy framework that can strengthen the entire European semiconductor supply chain while preserving technological competitiveness.