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The EU has been actively working to strengthen its semiconductor industry, particularly through initiatives like the European Chips Act, which aims to boost domestic production and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Here are some key examples and details based on available information:
Infineon Technologies (Germany)
Infineon, a major German semiconductor manufacturer, operates production facilities in the EU. Its largest frontend site is in Dresden, Germany, where it produces chips, particularly for automotive and IoT applications. Infineon is also part of a joint venture with TSMC, Bosch, and NXP to build a new advanced semiconductor fabrication plant (fab) in Dresden, known as the European Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (ESMC). This facility, expected to start production by the end of 2027, will focus on 28-12 nm chips for automotive and industrial sectors.
STMicroelectronics (France and Italy)
STMicroelectronics, a leading European chipmaker headquartered in Geneva (Switzerland, not EU, but with significant EU operations), has manufacturing sites in the EU, including Crolles, France, and Agrate Brianza, Italy. These facilities produce a range of chips, including those for 5G, AI, and automotive applications.
Intel (Ireland)
Intel, a U.S.-based company, operates Fab 24 in Leixlip, Ireland, within the EU. This 300 mm wafer fab produces advanced semiconductors and has been a key part of Intel’s European manufacturing presence for over 30 years. Intel is also investing in new facilities in Germany (Magdeburg), with plans for two fabs expected to be operational by 2027 or 2028, further expanding EU chip production.
GlobalFoundries (Germany)
GlobalFoundries, headquartered in the U.S., runs Fab 1 in Dresden, Germany. This facility produces chips using a 12 nm process and is one of the most significant semiconductor hubs in Europe, serving various industries.
TSMC’s Planned Facility (Germany)
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s leading chip foundry, is collaborating with Infineon, Bosch, and NXP to establish the ESMC fab in Dresden, Germany. Construction is set to begin in late 2024, with production targeting automotive and industrial needs using advanced CMOS technologies.
NXP Semiconductors (Netherlands)
NXP, based in Eindhoven, Netherlands, has manufacturing capabilities in the EU. While it outsources some production, it maintains facilities for specific chip production and is involved in the Dresden ESMC project.
The EU’s semiconductor industry has historically lagged behind Asia and the U.S. in cutting-edge chip production (e.g., below 7 nm nodes), but it excels in specialized areas like automotive and industrial chips. The European Chips Act, effective as of September 2023, is mobilizing over €43 billion in public and private investments to double the EU’s global semiconductor market share to 20% by 2030. This has spurred projects like those mentioned above, alongside efforts in Finland (e.g., Picosun’s R&D for sustainable chip manufacturing) and other countries.
So, yes, there are operational factories producing electronic chips in the EU, with more advanced facilities in the pipeline to enhance the region’s technological sovereignty.