Electronic components and semiconductors

When talking about micro-technologies, we are referring to those in millimetres. Nanotechnologies take us even smaller, to nanometres: one millionth of a millimetre, or 1/60,000 the width of a human hair.

Why are these tiny things so important?

We have come to depend more and more on electronic components and systems; these technologies and the solutions that they provide are the very basis of our everyday devices, such mobile phones and computers.

This is just the beginning

Within this field we are working at the frontiers of hardware and software. Micro and nano-electronics are part of the key enabling technologies (KETs). KETs are the drivers of the development of digital goods. They can open important new possibilities for Europe's growth and industrial competitiveness, create new jobs and usher in new products and services.

European Chips Act

The Commission adopted the European Chips Act in February 2022. The European Chips Act will help strengthen the semiconductor ecosystem in the EU, ensuring resilience of supply chains and reducing external dependencies. It will play a key role in ensuring the EU meets its digital decade target of doubling its global market share in semiconductors to 20%.

In September 2025, the Semicon Coalition, composed of the 27 Member States have signed a Declaration setting out their ambition for a Chips Act 2.0., calling for the need to address vulnerabilities, seize technological opportunities, and build a resilient semiconductor ecosystem.

Key Digital Technologies Partnership

The Council has given its green light to a European joint undertaking on key digital technologies. This will involve a partnership between the European Union, Member States, and/or industry. Once set up, new calls for proposals will be launched, to select and finance research and innovation projects according to their respective objectives. 

The key digital technologies partnership will focus on electronic components. This includes the design, manufacture of such components, and their integration into systems. It aims to support the digital transformation of the economy and society and help progress towards the European Green Deal. It will also support research and innovation for next-generation microprocessors, increasing Europe's competitiveness and technological sovereignty in this area.