Brussels has given the green light for France, Germany, Italy and the UK to invest €1.75bn for research into chips and sensors, funding the first technology project to qualify under rules designed to allow member states to support projects of common European interest.
The project will fund research into so-called microelectronics which are an enabling technology for consumer electronics such as smart appliances and automated vehicles and industrial devices like batteries. The governments expect their investment to attract an additional €6bn in private investment into the programme.
Margrethe Vestager, EU competition commissioner said:
Innovation in microelectronics can help the whole of Europe leap ahead in innovation. That’s why it makes sense for European governments to come together to support such important projects of common European interest, if the market alone would not take the risk. And it is why we have put special State aid rules in place to smooth the way. They enable risky and groundbreaking research and innovation to see the light of day, whilst ensuring that its benefits are shared widely and do not distort the level playing field in Europe.
The 2014 rules allow aid state public investment into projects of common European interest where multiple member states fund cutting-edge research into disruptive innovation that will be shared widely. Tuesday’s announcement is the first technology project to qualify under the framework.
There are 29 companies and research institutions both inside and outside of the EU involved in the project, including Robert Bosch, Infineon, GlobalFoundries, STMicroelectronics, CEA-Leti and X-FAB.
The project is focused on five priorities: more energy efficient chips, powered semiconductors, smart sensors, advanced optical equipment and substitute materials for silicon.
France plans to grant aid of €355m, Germany expects to invest €820 million, Italy is offering €524m and the UK plans to spend €48m.
Get alerts on EU state aid when a new story is published
