ASML CEO supports Europe tech competitiveness push

A group of leading European technology CEOs, including ASML chief Christophe Fouquet, has issued a joint call for urgent policy action to strengthen Europe’s global tech position. The opinion piece, published across eight European countries, highlights growing concerns over competitiveness and innovation.

For eeNews Europe readers, the message is clear: policy decisions made now will directly shape the future of semiconductors, AI, and industrial technologies across the region — and determine whether Europe remains relevant in global tech leadership.

A warning on Europe’s tech decline

The CEOs argue that Europe is “losing global competitiveness every day,” citing regulatory complexity, fragmented markets, and slower innovation cycles. The signatories include leaders from Airbus, Ericsson, Mistral AI, Nokia, SAP, and Siemens.

Together, these firms represent €417 billion in revenue, nearly €1.1 trillion in market capitalization, and over 957,000 high-tech jobs. They collectively invest more than €40 billion annually in R&D and hold over 213,000 patents.

The executives stress that while Europe has strong foundations in semiconductors, connectivity, AI, and aerospace, it struggles to scale innovation effectively. Regulatory burdens, they say, are slowing progress — especially in fast-moving fields like AI.

Push for policy reform and industrial scale

The group calls for streamlined digital regulations that act as “agile guardrails” rather than barriers. They also emphasize the need for coordinated industrial policy, stronger support for flagship projects, and reforms to competition and M&A rules to enable scaling.

“Europe has the people, the ecosystems and the technology to lead in this next phase,” the CEOs state, but warn that execution — not ambition — is the missing link.

They also highlight the importance of intellectual property, dual-use innovation, and a unified geo-economic strategy to strengthen resilience and global positioning.

The message concludes with a clear call to action: “The time is now. Let us collectively rise to the challenge.”