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European chip companies want to invest (foreign) without restraint

  • August 6, 2024
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European companies active in the chip industry are not interested in regulation that would limit their foreign investments. They are calling on the EU to impose as few

European chip companies want to invest (foreign) without restraint

European companies active in the chip industry are not interested in regulation that would limit their foreign investments. They are calling on the EU to impose as few restrictions as possible.

The chip industry has become a political hornet’s nest, and European companies operating in the sector do not want to be stung. They are calling on the EU to impose as few rules as possible that restrict foreign investment. Reuters knows this. They want to prevent future regulations from preventing companies from working with Chinese partners, for example for research purposes.

The EU is reviewing such investment restrictions from the technology sector at the American instigation. The US does not want its knowledge and technology to be used in China to develop chips that match or surpass American innovation.

Although the Americans control the world’s most important PC and server chip manufacturers, Intel, Nvidia and AMD, the production of these chips is carried out with the help of European companies, among others. Just think of ASML, which produces the essential lithography machines. Europe wants to follow the USA with regulations that at least take a close look at chip-related investments outside the Union.

Rules too strict

However, the European chip industry fears that the EU has overly broad regulations in mind, which could have a negative impact on the competitiveness of local companies. After all, organizations inside and outside the EU work together in research and development, for example. Since investments are analyzed, companies also fear that sensitive information will become public.

The call not to be too strict comes from the interest group SEMI. SEMI Europe represents around 300 companies from the chip industry in Europe, including ASML, ASM, Infineon and NXP, as well as research institutes such as Imec in Leuven.

A European decision in the case is not expected immediately. SEMI has until 2025 to lobby, although the parties are likely to knock on Europe’s doors with opposing arguments. The EU is also considering rules to investigate reverse investments from outside the EU.

Source: IT Daily

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