Agenda-setting speech promises ‘state of the art’ EU microchips

But European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen leaves research leaders wanting more

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has used her role’s annual State of the EU address to insist that the bloc can use its “world-class research” to become a global leader in the production of microchips.

Her speech on 15 September has come at a time when a global shortage of microchips is causing major problems for the worldwide production of everything from cars to smartphones. The European Chips Act she promised will arrive too late to relieve that crisis, but is intended to make the EU less reliant on global competitors for crucial technological components.