Brussels (dpa/sn) - With the so-called European Chips Act, the European Union wants to support the Free State of Saxony in expanding semiconductor production, among other things. "The increasing competitive pressure on a global level shows that we need a common strength if we as the European Union want to play a role in the world in the future," said Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer (CDU) during a visit to the Saxon cabinet on Monday in Brussels. Above all, Saxony, as a state of high technology and innovation in the heart of Europe, will benefit from the European Chips Act.
The Free State is making its contribution to European synergies, for example by entering into alliances with other strong economic areas and expanding scientific cooperation with its neighboring countries. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, also took part in the foreign cabinet visit to Brussels. Among other things, the cabinet discussed the status of the trilogue negotiations on the European Chips Act with the President. In the future, not only large projects, but also small and medium-sized companies with innovation potential are to be funded. In addition, a committee for upcoming semiconductor crises is to be introduced.
Saxony's Economics Minister Martin Dulig (SPD) is confident that Saxony can make a major contribution to the EU's digital sovereignty. "Saxony - especially Dresden - is the leading semiconductor location in Europe. The EU wants to increase Europe's share of the world semiconductor market to 20 percent and is planning massive financial support for this," says Dulig. Previous competitive disadvantages could thus be eliminated. In addition, the expansion plans of Infineon and Globalfoundries as well as the opening of the new Bosch factory show that the demand is there.
The Saxon government is in Brussels on Monday and Tuesday. A consultation with the Flanders cabinet is scheduled for Tuesday.
