EU Chips Act
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The EU Chips Act
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The EU Chips Act
About the European Chips Act
The European Chips Act, adopted in 2023, is aimed at Europe’s semiconductor production, research, and supply chain resilience to reduce dependency on foreign sources and enhance technological sovereignty.
With up to €43 billion mobilized in public and private investment, the Act is meant to Europe's strategic autonomy by accelerating research, innovation, and production capacities in semiconductor technologies.
The Chips Act is organized around three pillars:
- The Chips for Europe Initiative
- Expands Europe's technological leadership by supporting advanced research, development of pilot lines, and innovation infrastructure.
- A Framework in Ensure Security of Supply
- Boosts investment in new semiconductor manufacturing facilities and reinforces Europe’s industrial capacity through 2030.
- Monitoring and Crisis Response
- Establishes a coordinated EU-wide mechanism to monitor the semiconductor supply chain and manage potential disruptions.
Update: On 25 July, the EU council gave final approcal to the EU Chips Act. This was the final step in the decision-making procedure. Now the Act will be implemented through Horizon Europe under the new Chips Joint Undertaking (formerly the Key Digital Technologies Joint Undertaking).
Previously
- April 2023, the European Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional political agreement on the EU Chips Act.
- February 2023: The European Parliament adopted a draft bill that will be used to start talks with the European Council. (Press release) The bill is divided into two files:
- The overarching Chips Act, which outlines a strategy to bolster the homegrown semiconductor industry
- The regulation of the proposed €3.3 billion Chips Act industrial partnership under Horizon Europe, which will coordinate investment in semiconductor research and innovation.
- 1 December 2022: the European Council adopted its general approach which formalised the Council's negotiating position regarding the European Parliament to begin their process to adopt its general approach before negotiations between the two bodies begin. (Press release)
Funding Calls & Announcements
The European Chips Act offers resources for universities, research centers, SMEs, startups, and large companies working across the semiconductor value chain.
Key objectives:
- Double Europe’s share of global semiconductor production from 10% to 20% by 2030.
- Support research excellence in next-generation chip technologies, design, and manufacturing.
- Develop advanced pilot lines and innovation hubs across Europe.
- Strengthen Europe's ability to respond to future supply chain disruptions.
Funding for activities under the Chips Act is drawn from multiple sources, creating opportunities for both researchers and companies to engage:
- Horizon Europe – for R&D projects related to semiconductors, microelectronics and other relevant fields.
- Digital Europe Programme – supporting digital innovation and skills, including semiconductor technologies.
- National funding programs – additional calls managed by EU Member States (check national R&D portals).
- Chips Joint Undertaking – coordinating major collaborative projects under Horizon Europe and beyond.
Funding calls and eligibility criteria evolve over time. Those seeking funding are encouraged to consult official program websites regularly for the latest updates
For Potential Applicants (inside or outside the EU)
EU Chips is still under negotiation between the EU bodies and the national governments. EU Chips is aimed at increasing the production and manufacturing of chips in the EU and building on the capability in research and equipment making hardware for chips.
The long-term goal of the EU Chips Act is to boost Europe’s share of global chip production capacity to 20% from its 2020 level of around 10%.
(Final update on 8 August 2023)
Official Resources
Digital Strategy Portal – European Chips Act
Provides detailed descriptions of the three pillars, real-time updates on implementation (e.g. pilot lines, state aid), and links to related resources.
Commission Priorities Page – A Europe Fit for the Digital Age
A high-level political summary of why the Chips Act matters and how it fits into the EU’s strategic goals.
Chips Joint Undertaking (Pillar I Implementation)
Covers funding opportunities and R&D support under the “Chips for Europe” initiative.
Official Legislative Text - European Chips Act
Regulation (EU) 2023/1781 of the European Parliament and of the Council
Legislative Progress Tracker
Chronological view of the Act’s progress through the EU legislative process, including reports and amendments.
