Europe aims to double its share of global semiconductor production to increase it from 10% to 20%, explained Thierry Breton, Commissioner for the Internal Market.
The Old Continent is very far behind the Asian countries and the United States in a sector that is nevertheless key for the future.
The shortage exposed the disparities in the sector
Caused in particular by the significant increase in demand for electronic devices following the pandemic, but also by a drop in production caused by containment measures, the shortage currently affecting the semiconductor sector has revealed how this technology is vital. Its impact on the European automotive market is proof of this. Thus, the main countries of the continent recorded a double-digit drop in their vehicle sales in the space of just one year.
As part of the European digital plan for 2030, the European Union (EU) therefore wishes to increase its production of semiconductors in order to reduce its dependence on foreign entities. Goal : ” Concentrate in Europe at least 20% of global production of sustainable and latest generation chips by 2030 “, reports Reuters.
” We do whatever it takes to attract strategic investment “, declared Thierry Breton. ” We set our terms (…), security of supply, no public support for catch-up technologies “, he continued.
Europe wants to improve… but will never be a cador
To achieve this, the EU plans to invest several billion euros. Although the European Commissioner did not give a precise figure, he assured that the funding would be ” equivalent to US plans to invest in the semiconductor industry. Last year, the US government announced a $52 billion investment plan to boost local production and reduce its dependence on Asian countries.
More details on the plan to strengthen European sovereignty in the semiconductor sector will be unveiled by the Commission on February 8. For its part, China could be one of the undisputed leaders in the sector within 10 years, according to the firm IDC. The ambitions of Europe are very far from those of the Middle Kingdom. According to Margrethe Vestager, European Commissioner for Competition, the EU will never achieve independence in this sector.
On the same subject :
2021, the year of semiconductors: the sector has grown by more than 25% despite shortages
Source: Reuters
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