Chips Act 2.0 could open the state aid tap further

A Chips Act 2.0 could introduce new funding schemes for chip manufacturers, the Commission said in a call for evidence published on Friday.

The Commission is set to revise its Chips Act – passed only two years ago – which tried to boost European chip production but suffered numerous failures, including the cancellation of a €40 billion Intel project in Magdeburg, Germany.

The Commission is now considering several changes to the law, though its call for evidence underscores that the Act appears to be “largely fit for purpose”.

For the most advanced chips, the Commission's call states that low demand “may not justify a fully-fledged commercial foundry” but that their strategic importance still requires the EU to secure access to them.

It also considers how to foster innovation in less-