More than 50 European Parliament members urged the European Commission on Tuesday to accelerate plans for a new semiconductor strategy aimed at closing the EU’s technology gaps in artificial intelligence (AI) chips and reducing foreign dependency.
In a letter signed by lawmakers from three major political factions, the group warned that geopolitical tensions threaten Europe’s access to advanced technologies. They criticized the slow rollout of the original 2023 Chips Act, which failed to attract leading chipmakers like Intel after the company shelved plans for a German plant.
“Europe cannot afford delays,” the letter stated. “We need bold incentives to secure cutting-edge semiconductor research, production, and investment here.”
The lawmakers specifically called for measures to boost AI chip development, calling semiconductors “the backbone” of EU competitiveness in AI and green technology. They also urged protections for European firms like ASML, a Dutch tech giant, from fallout caused by U.S.-China trade disputes.
The push follows similar demands last week from European semiconductor companies, who argue the bloc lags behind the U.S. and Asia in subsidies and innovation.
The European Commission plans five investment packages in 2025 to spur AI development, but lawmakers said the proposals ignore semiconductors. “This is a critical oversight,” the letter argued.
A Commission spokesperson declined to immediately comment.
The 2023 Chips Act mobilized €43 billion ($47 billion) in public and private funding but focused on older-generation chips. Analysts say Europe lacks facilities to produce advanced semiconductors needed for AI systems, military tech, and electric vehicles.
Lawmakers stressed urgency, citing U.S. export controls and China’s rising dominance. “The EU must act now,” the letter said, “or risk losing the global tech race.”
Semiconductors power everything from smartphones to electric grids. The EU aims to double its global market share to 20% by 2030.
