Europe’s Semiconductor Industry Rallies for a Brighter Future

On 29th September, something big happened in Brussels. The Semiconductor Coalition Europe, backed by EU Member States, rolled out a bold Joint Declaration to supercharge Europe’s role in the global semiconductor game. Here’s the scene: on the sidelines of the EU Competitiveness Council meeting, over 70 companies, industry groups, and research organizations basically the who’s who of the semiconductor world came together to say, “We’re all in!” Their Industry Endorsement is a loud and clear call to make Europe a powerhouse in chips.

The Joint Declaration lays out concrete steps the industry will take accelerating investments, reinforcing R&D, and securing critical supply chains. By coordinating these efforts with EU policies, the Coalition aims to make Europe a global leader in semiconductor innovation.

The European Semiconductor Industry Association (ESIA), our industry’s voice in Europe, is fired up about this. They’re cheering the Coalition’s vision to revamp the EU Chips Act and want to see action, fast. Here’s what we’re pushing for by the end of 2025:

• Step Up and Own It: We need the European Commission and Member States to dive in headfirst, working hand-in-hand with us to set clear, measurable goals and a plan to make them happen.
• Create the Right Vibe: Let’s make Europe a place where semiconductor businesses can thrive. That means cutting red tape, speeding up permits, ensuring steady power and infrastructure, attracting top talent, securing critical raw materials, and keeping trade fair and open.
• Build a Plan That Makes Sense: We’re talking about a business case that connects Europe to global markets, figures out what the demand is, and makes smart investments to keep us competitive. It’s about knowing the costs, risks, and what makes Europe the place to invest and grow.

‍Why the rush? The world’s appetite for semiconductors is skyrocketing—think AI, cars, factories, data centres, energy grids, aerospace, and defence. Chips are the backbone of at least 10% of Europe’s and the world’s economy, supporting 200,000 direct jobs and up to a million more in related fields. This is our moment to shine, but we’ve got to move quickly and work together—industry and policymakers alike—to tackle challenges and seize opportunities.

ESIA and the broader industry are ready to roll up our sleeves and partner with the Coalition and EU leaders to turn this vision into reality. This isn’t just about chips; it’s about securing Europe’s future in a fast-moving, tech-driven world. We’ll be keeping a close eye on Europe’s semiconductor industry and sharing insights relevant to our work.

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