IPC Issues Clarion Call for EU to Reclaim Leadership in Electronics Manufacturing

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

IPC released a synopsis of its recent white paper, Securing the European Union’s Electronics Ecosystem. This condensed document presents a comprehensive overview of the current challenges in Europe’s electronics manufacturing industry and shares actionable steps to help the EU achieve a stronger, more autonomous ecosystem. The synopsis document is designed as an informative tool for policymakers, media, and other key stakeholders outside the industry, reinforcing IPC’s commitment to supporting Europe’s path to technological sovereignty.

IPC’s efforts in Europe, led by Alison James, senior director of IPC’s European government relations, stress a commitment to building a strong European electronics industry. The focus of this work is on promoting policies that support Europe’s strategic autonomy and competitiveness, especially within the context of the European Competitiveness Deal and the Chips Act. “Collaboration between industry and policymakers is needed to address gaps in the electronics manufacturing supply chain. The synopsis complements IPC Europe’s ongoing work by clearly outlining these areas and advocating for urgent support to ensure that the EU’s ambitions extend beyond semiconductor production,” said James.

The synopsis serves as a foundation for policy discussions by providing specific industry insights, helping decision-makers understand the real-world impact of these supply chain gaps. For example, Europe’s aerospace and defense industries are strong globally but still rely on non-EU sources for critical components. Similarly, the telecommunications and healthcare industries show high demand for electronics yet face vulnerabilities due to limited regional production capacity for key components.

By clearly illustrating these gaps, the synopsis strengthens the case for a comprehensive strategy. This also emphasizes the need for a complete European electronics ecosystem. One example of this is how the EU has set ambitious semiconductor targets under the €43 billion Chips Act, but the synopsis argues that semiconductor production alone will not secure Europe’s supply chain. A truly self-sufficient ecosystem requires additional focus on PCBs and advanced packaging, two areas where Europe currently depends on imports, creating risks of supply disruptions and delays.

IPC’s electronics manufacuring call to action was included at the end of the synopsis, and it urges EU policymakers to establish an electronics manufacturing strategy within the European Competitiveness Deal and to enact a Strategic Electronics Manufacturing Act. Such initiatives would encourage investment, foster innovation, and create a skilled workforce, each of which are elements that are essential to securing Europe’s position as a global leader in electronics.

Added James, “By advocating for targeted interventions and strategic partnerships, IPC’s efforts aim to encourage European policymakers to take action that will help meet the region’s critical technology needs independently, sustainably, and competitively. The synopsis is both a tool for advancing this agenda and an invitation for stakeholders to join IPC in driving the EU’s electronics manufacturing renaissance.”