European Commission tech chief Henna Virkkunen stated on November 10, 2026, that the EU must restrict collaboration on AI microchips to highly trusted partners. Speaking at the Web Summit in Lisbon, she emphasized that this policy aims to prevent sensitive technology leaks, citing concerns following a recent Chinese spy scandal involving Nvidia.
The EU currently relies heavily on external suppliers from the US and Asia for advanced hardware. To achieve technological sovereignty, Brussels introduced the Tech Sovereignty Package in June 2026, which includes the proposed Chips Act 2.0. This legislation seeks to accelerate project approvals and bolster local semiconductor design and manufacturing capabilities.
The initiative includes the InvestAI facility, which plans to mobilize €20 billion to establish up to five AI Gigafactories across Europe. Additionally, a European Chip Design Platform was launched in November 2026 with €500 million in funding. These efforts align with projections that AI will drive approximately 70% of semiconductor market growth by 2030.
Virkkunen identified the US as the EU's primary ally in security and technology. While the EU pursues independence, it seeks deep cooperation with Washington, signaling that future market access and partnerships will increasingly depend on geopolitical alignment rather than purely commercial terms.
