Activities of Carlos ZORRINHO related to 2022/0032(COD)
Plenary speeches (1)
European Chips Act (debate)
Amendments (34)
Amendment 117 #
Draft legislative resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
— having regard to the Commission communication of 5 May 2021 entitled ‘Updating the 2020 New Industrial Strategy: Building a stronger Single Market for Europe’s recovery’ (COM(2021)0350),
Amendment 118 #
Draft legislative resolution
Citation 8 b (new)
Citation 8 b (new)
— having regard to the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on Critical Raw Materials Resilience: Charting a Path towards greater Security and Sustainability COM(2020) 474
Amendment 119 #
Draft legislative resolution
Citation 8 c (new)
Citation 8 c (new)
— having regard to the Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the 2030 Policy Programme “Path to the Digital Decade” 2021/0293 (COD)
Amendment 128 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1 a) Reinforcing Europe's semiconductor capacity is key to achieve strategic autonomy, by reducing dependencies, enhancing digital sovereignty and contributing to the green transition.
Amendment 140 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3 a) Critical raw materials are a key element of the Union's chip ecosystem, thus, a framework for increasing the Union’s resilience of critical raw materials supply should be established. Moreover, supporting research and innovation on materials and increasing cooperation between the Member States, the Commission and likeminded partners will also be necessary.
Amendment 164 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) The semiconductor sector is characterised by very high development and innovation costs and very high costs for building state of the art testing and experimentation facilities to support the industrial production. This has direct impact on the competitiveness and innovation capacity of the Union industry, as well as on the security and resilience of the supply. In light of the lessons learnt from recent shortages in the Union and worldwide and the rapid evolution of technology challenges and innovation cycles affecting the semiconductor value chain, it is necessary to strengthen the Union’s competitiveness, resilience and research and innovation capacity by setting up the Initiative.
Amendment 167 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) Member States are primarily responsible for sustaining a strong Union industrial, competitive, sustainable and innovative base. However, the nature and scale of the and research innovation challenge in the semiconductor sector requires action to be taken collaboratively at Union level.
Amendment 171 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) The Horizon Europe Framework programme established by Regulation (EU) 2021/695 of the European Parliament and of the Council51 (Horizon Europe) – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, has the objective to strengthen the European research area (ERA), encouraging it to become more competitive, including in its industry, while promoting all research and innovation (R&I) activities to deliver on the Union's strategic priorities and commitments, which ultimately aim to promote peace, the Union's values and the well-being of its peoples. As a major priority of the Union, the total financial resources allocated to the programme should not be reduced or repurposed to fund activities outside of research and innovation and the reduction of the financial resources of the programme, aimed to reinforce the financial envelope of the Digital Europe programme with the aim of contributing to the Chips initiative, should be compensated by another source. Consequently, without prejudice to the institutional prerogatives of the European Parliament and of the Council, an amount of commitment appropriations equivalent to the reduction should be made available to Horizon Europe over the period 2023-2027, resulting from total or partial non- implementation of projects belonging to that programme or its predecessor, as provided for in Article 15(3) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council52 (the Financial Regulation). This amount will be in addition to the EUR 0.5 billion (in 2018 prices) already mentioned in the Joint Declaration by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on the re- use of decommitted funds in relation to the research programme. _________________ 51 Regulation (EU) 2021/695 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 April 2021 establishing Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, laying down its rules for participation and dissemination, and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1290/2013 and (EU) No 1291/2013. (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 1). 52 Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 July 2018 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union, amending Regulations (EU) No 1296/2013, (EU) No 1301/2013, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No 1304/2013, (EU) No 1309/2013, (EU) No 1316/2013, (EU) No 223/2014, (EU) No 283/2014, and Decision No 541/2014/EU and repealing Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 (OJ L 193, 30.7.2018, p. 1).
Amendment 175 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) In order to achieve its general objective, and address both the supply and demand side challenges of the current semiconductor ecosystem, the Initiative should include five main components. First, to reinforce Europe’s design capacity, the Initiative should support actions to build a virtual platform that is available across the Union. The platform should connect the communities of design houses, SMEs and start-ups, intellectual property and tool suppliers, with research and technology organisations to provide virtual prototype solutions based on co- development of technology. Second, in order to strengthen the security and resilience of supply and reducing the Union’s dependency on third country production, the Initiative should support development and access to pilot lines. The pilot lines should provide for the industry a facility to test, experiment and validate semiconductor technologies and system design concepts at the higher technology readiness levels beyond level 3 but under level 8 while reducing environmental impacts as much as possible. Union investments along Member States investment and with the private sector in pilot lines is necessary to address the existing structural challenge and market failure where such facilities are not available in the Union hindering innovation potential and global competitiveness of the Union. Third, in order to enable investments in alternative technologies, such as quantum technologies, conducive to the development of the semiconductors sector, the Initiative should support actions including on design libraries for quantum chips, pilot lines for building quantum chips and testing and experimentation facilities for quantum components. Overlapping and duplication of efforts with the Quantum Technologies Flagship should be avoided. Fourth, in order to promote the use of the semiconductor technologies, to provide access to design and pilot line facilities, and to address skills gaps across the Union, the Initiative should support establishment of the competence centres on semiconductors in each Member State. Access to publicly funded infrastructure, such as pilot and testing facilities, and to the competence network, should be open to a wide range of users and must be granted on a transparent and non-discriminatory basis and on market terms (or cost plus reasonable margin basis) for large undertakings, while SMEs can benefit from preferential access or reduced prices. Such access, including for international research and commercial partners, can lead to broader cross- fertilisation and gains in know-how and excellence, while contributing to cost recovery. Fifth, The Commission should set-up a dedicated semiconductor investment facility support (as part of the investment facilitation activities described collectively as the ‘Chips Fund’) proposing both equity and debt solutions, including a blending facility under the InvestEU Fund established by Regulation (EU) 2021/523 of the European Parliament and Council53 , in close cooperation with the European Investment Bank Group and together with other implementing partners such as national promotional banks and institutions. The ‘Chips Fund’ activities should support the development of a dynamic and resilient semiconductor ecosystem by providing opportunities for increased availability of funds to support the growth of start-ups and SMEs as well as investments across the value chain, including for other companies in the semiconductor value chains. In this context, the European Innovation Council will provide further dedicated support through grants and equity investments to high risk, market creating innovators. _________________ 53 Regulation (EU) 2021/523 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 March 2021 establishing the InvestEU Programme and amending Regulation (EU) 2015/1017 (OJ L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 30).
Amendment 336 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) setting the criteria to recognise and to support first-of-a-kind Integrated Production Facilities and Open EU Foundries that foster the security of supply of semiconductors and the semiconductor ecosystem in the Union;
Amendment 368 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 15 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 15 a (new)
(15 a) ‘key market representative organisations’ means trade associations representing key market actors, users of semiconductors or other undertakings of the semiconductor value chain with relevant activities in the areas of processor and semiconductor technologies, including distributors;
Amendment 370 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 16
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 16
(16) ‘critical sector’ means any sector referred to in the Annex of the Commission proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the resilience of critical entities, the defence sector and other activities that are relevant foror subsector crucial for the maintenance of vital societal functions, namely public health and public safety and security;
Amendment 372 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 16
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 16
(16) ‘critical sector’ means any sector referred to in the Annex of the Commission proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the resilience of critical entities, the defence, aerospace, automotive and telecommunications sectors and other activities that are relevant for public safety and security;
Amendment 388 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 17 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 17 a (new)
(17 a) ‘semiconductor crisis’ means a serious disruption to the supply of semiconductors, leading to significant shortages of semiconductors, intermediate products, or raw or processed materials, at any link of the semiconductor supply chain, which prevents the functioning of critical sectors;
Amendment 400 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. The general objective of the Initiative is to support large-scale technological capacity building and innovation throughout the Union to enable development and deployment of cutting- edge and next generation semiconductor and quantum technologies for quantum chips and photonic semiconductors that will reinforce the Union advanced design, systems integration and chips production capabilities, as well as contribute to the achievement of the twin digital and green transition.
Amendment 422 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) building advanced technology and engineering capacities for accelerating the innovative development of quantum chipcutting-edge chips and next generation of quantum chips and photonic semiconductors.
Amendment 472 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point e
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point e
(e) developing and managing specific training actions on semiconductor technologies to support the development of the talent pool in the Union by promoting human potential and skills through STEM education from primary stages of education up to the PhD level, with a specific focus on women, which are under-represented in these sectors.
Amendment 595 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Amendment 603 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b a (new)
(b a) identify best practices for risk mitigation and crisis measures;
Amendment 607 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. The Commission shall establish a standing sub-group of the European Semiconductor Board composed of the Commission, national competent authorities and key market representative organisations. This standing sub-group shall meet at least twice a year, in order to assess the results of this monitoring. National competent authorities or key market representative organisations of third countries, and experts from academia and civil society, may be invited to the meetings of the standing sub-group.
Amendment 616 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. The European Semiconductor Board sub-group referred to in paragraph 1a shall adopt guidelines related to the type of information to be provided pursuant to paragraphs 2 and 3 with a view to ensuring that data is comparable, collected securely, and can be analysed in a meaningful and effective way. Guidance on the information required shall be updated when necessary in order to reflect technological, geopolitical, and market developments. The Commission shall ensure there are sufficient expertise and resources allocated to this sub-group. Particular attention shall be paid to minimising administrative requirements
Amendment 639 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Member StatesThe Commission, assisted by national competent authorities, shall identify key market actors along the semiconductor supply chains in their national territory internal market, taking into account the following elements:
Amendment 643 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
(d a) the outcome of the mapping exercise pursuant to Article 17b.
Amendment 644 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 17 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. The Commission, assisted by national competent authorities, shall identify key market representative organisations of the global semiconductor value chain.
Amendment 645 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 a (new)
Article 17 a (new)
Amendment 646 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 b (new)
Article 17 b (new)
Article 17 b Mapping of the semiconductor value chain 1. The Commission, assisted by national competent authorities, shall carry out a periodic mapping exercise of the European and global semiconductor value chains with the aim of building knowledge and capacity to inform future industrial policy measures and assess the Union’s strengths and weaknesses in the global semiconductor value chain. In particular, it shall: (a) assess risks that may disrupt, compromise or negatively affect the production and supply of semiconductors, including the potential direct and indirect impacts of foreign governments’ geopolitical measures; (b) ensure a good level of understanding of the market, the barriers to entry, the technology characteristics, the dependencies on foreign technology and providers, and chokepoints of the value chain; (c) focus on all levels of the value chain, namely inputs, production steps, and products of the semiconductor industry; (d) identify key products and critical infrastructures in the internal market depending on semiconductors; (e) assess global stocks of critical raw materials and risks of shortages within the sector; (f) evaluate the environmental impact of the semiconductor industry and drawing recommendations and best practices for sustainability. 2. The Commission shall create a dedicated structure, adequately staffed, for the conduction of the exercise described in paragraph 1. 3. National competent authorities designated pursuant to Article 26(1) shall map undertakings operating along the semiconductor supply chain in their national territory, including non- confidential information on the services or goods, and contact information. They shall notify this list and any subsequent update to the Commission and the European Semiconductor Board. The Commission may issue guidance, after consulting the European Semiconductor Board, to further specify the information to be gathered and define the technical specifications and formats
Amendment 649 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point a
Amendment 656 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2
Article 18 – paragraph 2
2. Where an assessment of the Commission provides concrete, serious, and reliable evidence of a semiconductor crisis, the Commission may activate the crisis stage by means of implementing acts in accordance with Article 33(2). The duration of the activation, which in any case shall not exceed 6 months, shall be specified in the implementing act. Where, in view of the scope and gravity of the semiconductor crisis, duly justified imperative grounds of urgency so require, the procedure provided for in Article 33(3) shall apply to implementing acts adopted pursuant to this Article.
Amendment 666 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1
Article 19 – paragraph 1
1. Where the crisis stage is activated and where appropriate in order to address the semiconductor crisis in the Union, the Commission shall, after consulting the European Semiconductor Board, take the measure provided for in Article 20 under the conditions laid down therein. In addition, the Commission may take the measures provided for in Article 21 or Article 22, or both, under the conditions laid down therein.
Amendment 677 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 4
Article 19 – paragraph 4
4. The use of the measures referred to in paragraph 1 shall be proportionate and restricted to what is necessary for addressing serious disruptions of vital societal functions or economic activities in the Union and must be in the best interest of the Union. The use of these measures shall avoid placing disproportionate administrative burden on SMEs. Only critical sector entities which are able to demonstrate they have adopted the risk mitigation measures referred to in Article 17a(2) shall benefit from these measures.
Amendment 744 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 23 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) addressing monitoring, mapping and value chain transparency in the internal market and globally, and crisis response issues;
Amendment 747 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
Article 23 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
(d a) proposing early warning indicators to the Commission;
Amendment 748 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 2 – point d b (new)
Article 23 – paragraph 2 – point d b (new)
(d b) providing a forum for cooperation, information exchange and coordination between Member States, the Commission and trustworthy international partners;
Amendment 762 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 4
Article 24 – paragraph 4
4. TIn addition to the standing sub- group referred to in Article 15(1a), the Commission may establish standing or temporary sub-groups for the purpose of examining specific questions. Where appropriate, the Commission may invite organisations representing the interests of the semiconductor industry, including the Industrial Alliance on Processors and Semiconductor Technologies and users of semiconductors at Union level, to such sub-groups in the capacity of observers. A sub-group including Union Research and Technology Organisations shall be established for the purpose of examining specific aspects on strategic technology directions and reporting on this to the European Semiconductor Board.