Global shortage of semi-conductors – Europe urgently needs to develop its own industry

Question for written answer  E-001447/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Julie Lechanteux (ID)

The health crisis has already brought home the extent to which the world depends on Asia for the production of masks and medicines. With nations in lockdown and employees working from home, the sale of IT equipment has rocketed, triggering a crisis in the supply chains of electronic chips, which are mainly produced in Taiwan.

As semiconductors are essential components in new cars, their shortage has sparked turmoil in the automotive industry, forcing Renault, Peugeot and several other European car manufacturers to halt production.

Faced with the global shortage of computer chips, US President Joe Biden has asked Congress for USD 37 billion to revive semiconductor manufacturing in the United States.

A new decree orders a 100-day review of the supply chains of semiconductors and three other critical products, including electric car batteries.

Europe has a few champions, such as STMicroelectronics, but this French company manufactures less than 10% of the world’s chips, down from 44% in 1990.

Does the Commission intend to support the development of a European industry in semiconductor research, manufacturing and trade?