SEMI Commends European Council’s Progress on Chips Act

BRUSSELS, Belgium  — SEMI, the industry association serving the global electronics design and manufacturing supply chain, today applauded progress by the European Council on the European Chips Act, expressing strong support for the swift start of negotiations with the European Parliament in 2023.

With the European Council’s adoption today of its negotiating mandate, also known as its general approach, member states and the Czech Presidency of the Council have reached a critical milestone in supporting Europe’s efforts to advance semiconductor manufacturing and supplies of critical components while bolstering R&D for next-generation semiconductor innovations.

“Europe’s future as a region of semiconductor manufacturing excellence is brimming with possibility,” said Laith Altimime, president of SEMI Europe. “The adoption of the European Council’s general approach marks a critical step in the passage of the European Chips Act, a landmark initiative for our industry.”

The European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is expected to vote on the European Union Chips Act report in January 2023. The Committee will then submit the approved text to plenary for adoption, a vote scheduled for February 2023. The text would constitute the European Parliament’s negotiating position and mark the last step before the start of trialogue negotiations among the European Commission, Parliament, and Council.

“SEMI looks forward to continued collaboration with the European institutions and our member companies to ensure the timely adoption and implementation of the European Chips Act, putting Europe’s semiconductor industry on a competitive footing with other regions,” said Christopher Frieling, director of Advocacy and Public Policy at SEMI Europe.

Visit SEMI Global Advocacy to learn more about public policy efforts and developments, and SEMI Workforce Development for more information on efforts to address the microelectronics industry’s talent needs.

For more details, contact the SEMI Europe Advocacy team:

• Christopher Frieling, director of Advocacy and Public Policy: cfrieling@semi.org
• Marek Kysela, senior coordinator of Advocacy: mkysela@semi.org