Background

After the EU first addressed critical weaknesses in the global semiconductor supply chain in 2023 with the original Chips Act, the Chips Act 2.0 is intended to further develop the European semiconductor industry and reduce critical dependencies on a few countries. The EU Commission's legislative proposal includes measures to promote research and innovation, stimulate demand, and support strategic projects. The draft also contains regulations for monitoring and crisis management, such as information collection and prioritised orders.

In its statement dated 10 September 2026, the DIHK calls for a more resilient and interconnected semiconductor industry – and to ensure businesses of all sizes are involved at an early stage. Besides chip production, other parts of the microelectronics ecosystem need consideration.

DIHK Demands

The DIHK believes the following aspects are crucial:

Improving site conditions:

Public funds should primarily be invested in reliable energy supplies, skilled workers, available space, raw materials, and modern digital as well as transport infrastructures.

Involving businesses:

Industry, small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as experts from research and technology, should co-develop demand initiatives and strategic programmes at an early stage.

Facilitating access to research and funding:

Small and medium-sized enterprises as well as start-ups should be able to easily access pilot plants, manufacturing platforms, and financial resources. Reporting and documentation obligations should align accordingly.

Targeted use of subsidies:

Subsidies should be coordinated Europe-wide, aligned with market opportunities and limited to well-justified exceptional cases. The entire semiconductor value chain must be considered.

Simplifying and speeding up approvals:

Faster procedures should be available to all industrial projects, not solely recognised semiconductor initiatives and strategic endeavours. Digital processes should integrate existing systems and enable the reuse of evidence.

Enabling international partnerships:

Rules for strategic projects should consider collaboration with companies from partner states and be compatible with WTO requirements.

Proportional crisis rules:

Information requirements should be limited to what is necessary, voluntary participation should be clearly identifiable, and confidential business data must be protected. Clear rules regarding prerequisites and liabilities are needed for prioritised orders.

Clear organisation of committees and funding:

The EU should regularly review overlaps in existing and new committees. Reliable funding is needed in the upcoming multi-annual financial framework for research and competitiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Chips Act 2.0 relevant for businesses outside chip production?

The proposal also affects businesses that use semiconductors or are part of the supply chain. These include sectors such as automotive, data centres, industrial automation, aerospace, and healthcare.

What are demand accelerators?

The EU Commission aims to boost demand and collaboration between semiconductor suppliers and users. The DIHK believes it is crucial to involve businesses and research institutions in designing such "demand accelerators".

Why is chip supply security so important?

Semiconductors are found in various products and infrastructures. Disruptions in supply can therefore have far-reaching implications for businesses and entire value chains. The DIHK advocates for greater resilience and broader international partnerships – not for complete independence.

What role do regional clusters play?

Clusters can network businesses, research institutions, universities, and authorities. This facilitates knowledge transfer and workforce development. From the DIHK's perspective, leveraging existing regional networks while creating additional structures with significant added value is key.

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