ASML plans to join forces with leading European technology companies to advocate for a stronger semiconductor ecosystem in the European Union. The Dutch chip machine maker warns that Europe risks falling behind, noting that only 1 percent of its equipment is currently sold to European customers, a situation its leadership calls a “huge red flag.”
Speaking at the company’s annual shareholders’ meeting, CEO Christophe Fouquet said ASML will collaborate with companies including Airbus, Nokia, Ericsson, SAP, and Siemens. Together, they aim to propose concrete policy ideas and push for measures that strengthen Europe’s position in the global tech landscape.
Fouquet emphasised that ASML feels a growing responsibility to highlight the importance of a robust semiconductor ecosystem to policymakers in the Netherlands, the European Commission, and key member states such as France and Germany.
Although ASML, based in Veldhoven, produces the world’s most advanced lithography machines, the majority of its customers are located in the United States and Asia. This imbalance increases pressure on the company to expand activities outside Europe.
Chip Act
The European Union introduced its Chips Act nearly three years ago, aiming to boost the bloc’s share of global chip production to 20 percent by 2030. However, the plan has faced criticism for being overly ambitious and lacking focus. In response, EU member states last year called for an update to the policy, with greater emphasis on innovation and securing stable chip supplies for critical industries.
@anp | NEWSBRAINPORT
