IPC Government Relations in Europe

IPC’s synopsis of its white paper, Securing the European Union’s Electronics Ecosystem, highlights urgent supply chain gaps and actionable steps for a stronger industry. It stresses the need for a comprehensive electronics strategy, including investment in PCBs, advanced packaging, and workforce development. Alison James, IPC’s Senior Director of Europe, states: “Semiconductors are essential but not enough. Europe needs a complete electronics ecosystem to compete globally and sustainably.” The related industry call to action (linked here: https://bit.ly/IPCSynopsis)?invites policymakers and stakeholders to shape Europe’s path to technological leadership.

Policy shifts, leadership transitions, and rising protectionism—Europe’s electronics industry is navigating complex challenges.?Alison James, IPC Senior Director Europe, Government Relations, highlights the vital role of collaboration with EU institutions in shaping a competitive and resilient manufacturing ecosystem with Philip Stoten. ? Alison’s insights underline strategic dialogue's importance in tackling global challenges and supporting Europe’s industrial strength. IPC is paving the way for a thriving electronics future by fostering innovation and aligning with evolving policies. https://bit.ly/4hOx1LT

IPC has been closely following the hearings this week, especially the discussions surrounding?Henna Virkunnen, the EVP Candidate for Technological Sovereignty, and Stéphane Séjournéé, the EVP nominee for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy. Their portfolios will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of a competitive electronics manufacturing ecosystem in Europe. As we await the final steps in the confirmation process, we want to highlight again the urgent need for a comprehensive electronics manufacturing strategy. This is a crucial step toward securing Europe’s leadership in technology and innovation. The time to act is now.?https://lnkd.in/e26rR-6D?

Today’s adoption of the ‘Budapest Declaration’ by EU leaders signals a bold commitment to the European Competitiveness Deal. This year, Europe’s electronics manufacturers issued a Call to Action to advance a strategic focus on electronics manufacturing within this framework, underscoring the urgency of maintaining the EU’s competitive edge. Working with the European Commission and EU institutions, we’re ready to contribute to building a sustainable, technology-driven Europe that can meet global challenges head-on. Our collaborative efforts will help secure Europe’s role as an industrial and technological leader.

At last week’s Chemical Watch events in Brussels, industry and policymakers discussed the critical challenges facing European and global chemical regulations. The revision of REACH, the regulation of PFAS, and the potential of #AI in chemicals management were all key topics. One thing was clear—Europe’s electronics industry is at a pivotal moment, with the regulatory environment poised to shape its future. At IPC, we’re pushing for a regulatory framework that protects health and the environment and allows industries to remain globally competitive. There’s a growing need for clearer definitions, more streamlined policies, and predictability to foster innovation. Without these, the risk of falling behind in critical areas of electronics manufacturing looms large. We look forward to working with policymakers to create a regulatory landscape supporting sustainability and growth across the value chain.?https://bit.ly/3Ah0NHW

The recent €10 billion investment by TSMC in Germany is a turning point for Europe’s #semiconductor ambitions. As Europe aims to produce 20% of the world’s semiconductors by 2030, this plant signals the start of a much-needed transformation in our electronics manufacturing sector. But semiconductors are just one piece of the puzzle. ? As highlighted in IPC’s white paper, Europe’s share of global #PCB production has plummeted from 13.8% to just 2.2% in the last two decades. This decline threatens Europe’s position in critical areas of electronics manufacturing. To truly thrive, we must focus on rebuilding our entire ecosystem – from silicon to systems – and ensure that European manufacturers have the resources to modernise and meet future demands.

???The Draghi report is a wake-up call for Europe’s electronics manufacturing industry. Sanjay Huprikar, IPC?Europe?President, highlights in a new Euractiv op-ed that while the European Chips Act was a step in the right direction, much more is needed. Europe’s focus on semiconductor fabs overshadows the vulnerabilities in the broader electronics ecosystem.?Europe’s position in global electronics manufacturing is declining fast, especially in critical segments like printed circuit boards (#PCBs) and electronic assembly. ? The stark reality? If Europe doesn’t act, its share in global electronics manufacturing?for critical industries?will shrink to just 15% by 2035. A more?holistic and robust?industrial strategy is needed to revitalise Europe’s standing in this crucial sector. ? It’s time for policymakers to embrace an?Electronics Manufacturing Strategy?that focuses not just on chips but on building a resilient and competitive industry. The clock is ticking, and bold action is essential. Let’s turn this around before it’s too late. https://bit.ly/3BqBvYn

I just posted a piece on the IPC blog making the case that the near singular focus of U.S. and European policymakers on chips isn't strategic; it's shortsighted. Investment in the chips industry is necessary but insufficient in developing robust electronics manufacturing to support industrial resiliency, technological innovation, and national security. We need strategies that promote electronics manufacturing from silicon to systems. https://lnkd.in/eHhVR4aM #CHIPSACT #semiconductors #electronics #silicontosystems #chipsdontfloat #electronicsassembly #PCBs #PCBAs

???Yesterday’s Competitiveness Council meeting tackled the future of European competitiveness, focusing on the Draghi report. We urged the Council to recognise the critical role of electronics manufacturing in Europe’s industrial resilience and technological progress. ? With Europe’s sovereignty in strategic sectors at stake, the decline in key #electronicmanufacturing poses a major threat. Electronics are everywhere, and a robust manufacturing sector is essential for our #competitiveness. ? Our Call to Action for European leaders includes: ???Establishing EU electronics manufacturing targets for 2030 and 2035 ???Launching a Strategic Electronics Manufacturing Act ???Levelling the playing field through regulatory and tax reform ???Building a skilled workforce with dedicated funding ? #IPCEurope #IPC #EU #CompetitivenessCouncil #ElectronicsManufacturingStrategy #Draghi

As the EU Competitiveness Council met this week, IPC wrote to Ministers to share our industry call to action. Europe’s #electronics sector is at a crossroads—and the stakes couldn’t be higher. From defence systems to healthcare innovations, electronics power the technologies that keep Europe moving forward and competitive on the global stage. But here’s the alarming part: Europe’s electronics manufacturing is shrinking rapidly, leaving critical industries vulnerable. By 2035, the EU could account for just 15% of global electronics manufacturing for critical industries, with even lower percentages in strategic areas like #PCB production and #advancedpackaging. This is why IPC calls on European leaders to prioritize electronics manufacturing with a comprehensive strategy to secure our future competitiveness. The time to act is now to?ensure?Europe’s place in the global electronics ecosystem before it’s too late. Sanjay Huprikar