The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) is drafting an Opinion on the European Chips Act to strengthen the European semiconductor ecosystem, scheduled for adoption at the Plenary Session of 12-14 October 2022.
On 8 February 2022, the European Commission published a package of proposals under the name of European Chips Act to address the current shortage of semiconductors and strengthen the Union's resilience and strategic autonomy.
Semiconductors are critical inputs for a variety of different products ranging from consumers' electronics, such as smartphones and laptops, to vehicles and medical equipment, telecommunications infrastructure and artificial intelligence. A prolonged shortfall in supplies can have detrimental consequences on the entire EU industrial apparatus.
The microelectronic industry is characterized by a constant race to innovation, to manufacture more and more powerful and efficient microchips. This global competition requires heavy upfront capital investments and entails substantial risks, but it is also essential to secure the EU technological leadership and the success of the digital transition.
In this context, the CoR Rapporteur, Mr. Thomas SCHMIDT (DE/EPP), Minister for Regional Development of the Free State of Saxony would like to invite representatives from academia, industry and other relevant stakeholders to discuss the implications of this package for local and regional authorities and for the future of the EU industrial ecosystem.
The stakeholders consultation will take place online on Tuesday 12 April from 16:00 to 18:00.
Registrations are open until Sunday 10 April at midnight (CET).