Public Policy

In the global environment for semiconductor businesses, uncertainty prevails, and the geopolitical scene is becoming more fractured. This outlook underlay the discussions at the SEMI Industry Strategy Symposium Europe (ISS Europe) 2024 hosted in Vienna (March 7-8, 2024).

To support Europe’s industrial growth, SEMI Europe published a position paper with key recommendations on the proposed Kigali amendment to the Montreal Protocol to achieve the legally binding Greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets set by the 2021 European Climate Law [Regulation (EU) 2021/1119].

On April 21, 2021, the European Commission put forward the long-awaited Proposal for a Regulation on a European approach for Artificial Intelligence, introducing for the first time harmonized rules for the development, placement and use of secure and ethical artificial intelligence (AI) in Europe.

On 21/9, SEMI and a coalition of 40 industry organisations sent a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calling for decisive action to solve implementation issues within the European Union Waste Framework Directive, specifically the Substances of Concern in Products database.

In February 2020, the European Commission published its initial proposal – White Paper on Artificial Intelligence: a European approach to excellence and trust – and opened a stakeholder consultation. In June, SEMI Europe, based on member feedback, made key policy recommendations in response.

SEMI Europe’s advocacy team is a key force in influencing public policy in areas of strategic importance to the region’s semiconductor industry, making SEMICON Europa the ideal venue for addressing industry-shaping trends and enacting change on policy issues. 

Last month, Germany published its National Industrial Strategy 2030, which sets strategic guidelines for a German and European industrial policy. The Strategy has drawn mixed feedback across Europe and internationally. SEMI shares its analysis.

Last month the European Commission (EC) approved €1.75 billion in public support from France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom (UK) to fund the joint European microelectronics project, which brings together businesses across Europe to spur innovation in IoT and connected car technologies.

With the rise of AI, governments worldwide are accelerating the implementation of data economy and regulations to protect sensitive data traversing AI networks. The European Commission is making progress with initiatives aimed at improving the efficient use of data across the EU.