Chip manufacturers are investing significantly more in America than in Europe.
(Photo: dpa)
Munich From beacon of hope to non-starter: Almost a year has passed since Intel boss Pat Gelsinger promised to build two huge chip factories in Magdeburg for 17 billion euros. Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck (Greens) said enthusiastically at the time: “This shows that Germany is attractive for innovations and investments.”
The jubilation has died down: it is still unclear when the American chip company will start construction. The EU has not managed to clear the way for the necessary subsidies within a year.
Wolfgang Weber, Managing Director of the ZVEI industry association, warns: “The fact is that Europe will not be able to hold its own as a semiconductor region if the necessary framework conditions for investments are not installed immediately.”
Europe discusses, America builds
Europe’s race to catch up with chips should begin with the mega-investment in Saxony-Anhalt. Instead, the Intel factories could now become emblematic of the continent’s failure.
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