Chip equipment giant ASML currently sells zero lithography machines within Europe, according to Frank Heemskerk, Executive Vice President of Global Public Affairs. Heemskerk warned that Europe risks falling severely behind as the United States, China, and India aggressively fund their domestic semiconductor sectors. He noted that ASML registers no European sales because the region fails to invest in constructing new microchip fabrication plants.
Global superpowers compete to attract ASML expansion
ASML remains the sole manufacturer of advanced extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography systems, which are essential for producing cutting-edge microchips. Global chipmakers like TSMC and Samsung rely heavily on ASML systems to print microscopic transistor patterns onto silicon wafers, making the Dutch firm a key enabler of global artificial intelligence hardware. Consequently, governments in the US, China, and India are actively courting ASML to expand its manufacturing footprint inside their borders.
European Chips Act struggles to deliver target growth
The warning comes as the European Union reviews its 2023 Chips Act, originally introduced to boost regional chip production following pandemic-era supply shortages. Despite legislative efforts, the initiative has failed to spark significant factory construction across the continent. Last year, the European Court of Auditors warned that the EU will likely miss its strategic target of doubling its global semiconductor market share by 2030.
ASML and EU leaders seek solutions to strengthen tech market
To counter declining regional competitiveness, ASML and EU officials are discussing strategies to reinforce European technology supply chains. Both parties aim to stimulate local semiconductor demand and build resilience against international market shifts, though structural investments remain urgent to prevent complete reliance on foreign chip production.
@ anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
