In Amsterdam, members of the European Parliament called on the European Commission to establish a new support initiative for the semiconductor industry in Europe, focusing on investing in AI chips and addressing technological gaps. The parliamentarians emphasized the importance of securing access to advanced technologies and stressed the need for the EU to enhance its attractiveness as a destination for research, development, production, and investment. They criticized the slow progress of the existing 2023 Chips Act.

This appeal from the lawmakers echoes a previous request made by leading European semiconductor companies. While the Commission has announced plans for five packages to boost European investment, particularly in AI, it has not outlined specific measures for the semiconductor sector. The lawmakers urged the Commission to include semiconductors in its strategies as they are crucial to the EU's industrial goals.

The initial EU Chips Act sparked investment interest, but failed to lure prominent chipmakers following Intel's decision to cancel a major factory project in Germany. Given current geopolitical tensions, it is increasingly urgent to address these issues and shield European companies from external pressures. Europe must safeguard its key players in the semiconductor industry amid growing competition between the US and China, as well as challenges related to extraterritoriality.