ASML

Eindhoven is growing rapidly and becoming increasingly international, yet many residents still live alongside one another. The StadsMakers International programme brings locals and internationals together to design practical initiatives that strengthen neighbourhood connections. On 28 June, participants present their solutions during the StadsMakers Expo at Strijp‑S.

Dutch Foreign Trade Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma has rejected a proposed US bill, the Match Act, which threatens to force the Netherlands into cutting off ASML's chip technology exports and maintenance services to China. Following talks in Washington, Sjoerdsma asserted that export controls must rely on voluntary cooperation rather than American coercion, warning that unilateral mandates threaten Dutch economic sovereignty. While the US pushes for sweeping bans, the Netherlands maintains its stance on reviewing semiconductor sales through targeted, case-by-case assessments to protect global supply chains.

ASML has invited Elon Musk to virtually speak at an internal technology conference about his "Terafab" project, which focuses on manufacturing chips for AI, robotics, and aerospace. However, the invitation has sparked backlash on an internal company channel, with some critical employees threatening to boycott the event over Musk's political views.

The Amsterdam AEX index opened lower on Friday, dragged down by a 3 per cent drop for chip giants ASMI, Besi, and ASML following a tech sell-off in the US and Asia. As global investors shift from tech stocks to traditional sectors ahead of the latest US jobs report, wider European markets remained mixed, while Asian tech shares suffered heavy losses. On the local market, paint maker AkzoNobel and builder Heijmans posted gains, but Air France-KLM shares fell after a downgrade by Barclays, and Heineken investors piled pressure on the brewer to appoint an external CEO.

TSMC, the world's leading semiconductor manufacturer, has confirmed that global appetite for AI chips continues to outstrip production capacity—even as the company pours billions into expanding its manufacturing footprint.

Huawei says it may produce advanced chips without relying on ASML’s EUV machines, despite ongoing export restrictions. The company aims to reach 1.4-nanometre production by 2031, potentially narrowing the gap with global leaders. Details of the approach remain unclear.

ASML and major Dutch trade unions have reached an agreement on a social plan to support employees during the company’s current transformation. The plan focuses on preventing forced redundancies through internal redeployment, generous severance pay, and extended employment guarantees.

ASML has secured a social plan with unions to protect staff during its upcoming management overhaul. Unexpected company growth and a focus on internal relocation mean fewer employees will lose their jobs than originally feared, while those leaving will receive robust financial and career support.