EU countries should invest in they “mass produce” semiconductors on the old continent, in order to reduce dependence on Asia in this strategic sector, especially for the energy transition, the President of the European Commission called Ursula von der Leyen.

“We need mass production in Europe,” he said at the start of construction on a huge semiconductor manufacturing plant in Dresden, eastern Germany, along with the German chancellor. Olaf Soltz.

With these investments more 5 billion eurosThe German group Infineon will produce 300 mm silicon wafers for semiconductors from 2026.

He joins the European Union’s fight to increase the production of these essential components for the digital industry and the ecological transition currently dominated by Asia.

In mid-April, 27 Member States and Parliament specifically agreed to reach 20% of the global market by 2030, twice what it is today.

“We all see the extent to which geopolitical risks have increased. That is why it is vital that Europe strengthens its supply chains,” said Ursula von der Leyen.

“This requires expanding our market share and our manufacturing capacity,” he added.

Geopolitical tensions around Taiwan – one of the world’s largest manufacturers of electrical chips through the TSMC group – are raising supply concerns as the sector has seen shortages in recent years due to Covid-19 and overwhelming demand.

These chips are essential for industry, especially for green technologies (batteries, wind turbines, solar panels) and digital technologies.

“We need semiconductors, lots of semiconductors,” the chancellor said.Olaf Soltzcalling production “oil of the 21st century” during today’s launch.

Germany is a stronghold of semiconductor manufacturing in Europe, especially in the area of ​​Dresden, which is called “Silicon Saxony”. In addition to German groups such as Bosch and Infineon, US-based Intel has a state-of-the-art plant project in Magdeburg, in the country’s northeast.