France Industrie and the Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie have formulated a series of six joint recommendations to ensure that the European Chips Act, presented by the European Commission on Tuesday 8 February, is successful.
In a letter sent last week to the office of Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton, seen by EUROPE on Monday 7 February, the industry recalls the cardinal importance of semiconductors in all sectors of activity and how these electronic chips are essential to reduce CO2 emissions and enable the EU to meet its climate objectives.
The two organisations call for six measures. First of all, the two associations stress the need for a “holistic” European strategy on these electronic components, “while avoiding a planned economy on semiconductors”.
The issue should be tackled by addressing the “entire” semiconductor value chain, not just one part, they argue. This requires recognising the importance of semiconductors “of all natures and sizes” and investing in the entire semiconductor life cycle, always with the aim of improving the competitiveness of the European industry, they argue.
In addition, they call for: - investing in existing production lines, including through the use of targeted State aid; - addressing the skills shortage in Europe by attracting and training semiconductor specialists in large numbers; - ensuring international cooperation “while refraining from a subsidy race”.
The two associations seem to have been heard by the European Commission, according to today’s communication, which contains most of their demands (see other news: EUROPE 12885/1). (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)