92 Amendments of Marion WALSMANN related to 2022/0032(COD)
Amendment 121 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) Semiconductors are at the core of any digital device and the Union's digital transition: from smartphones and cars, through critical applications and infrastructures in health, energy, communications and automation to most other industry sectors. While semiconductors are essential to the functioning of our modern economy, security and society, the Union has witnessed unprecedented disruptions in their supply. The current supply shortage is a symptom of permanent and serious structural defici, the consequencies in the Union’s semiconductor value and supply chainof which are significant. The disruptions have exposed long-lasting vulnerabilities in this respect, notably a strong third-country dependency in manufacturing and design of chips. Therefore, action is needed to address existing and potential structural deficiencies in the semiconductor ecosystem and supply chain.
Amendment 132 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) A framework for increasing the Union’s resilience in the field of semiconductor technologies should be established, stimulating investment, strengthening the capabilities, security, adaptability and resilience of the Union’s semiconductor supply chain, and increasing cooperation among the Member States and, the Commission, and international partners.
Amendment 138 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) This framework pursues two objectives. The first objective is to ensure the conditions necessary for the competitiveness and innovation capacity of the Union and to ensure the adjustment of the industry to structural changessemiconductor ecosystem can adapt at pace due to fast innovation cycles and the need for sustainability. The second objective, separate and complementary to the first one, is to improve the functioning of the internal market by laying down a uniform Union legal framework for increasing the Union’s resilience, and ability to innovate and provide security of supply in the field of semiconductor technologies.
Amendment 143 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) It is necessary to take measures to build capacity and strengthen the Union’s semiconductor sector in line with Article 173(3) of the Treaty. These measures do not entail the harmonisation of national laws and regulations. In this regard, the Union should reinforce the competitiveness and resilience of the semiconductor technological and industrial base, whilst strengthening the innovation capacity of its semiconductor sector, reducing dependence on a limited number of third country companies and geographies, while deepening coordination and cooperation in key areas among international partners, and strengthening its capacity to design and produce advanced components. The Chips for Europe Initiative (the ‘Initiative’) should support these aims by bridging the gap between Europe’s advanced research and innovation capabilities and their sustainable industrial exploitation. It should promote capacity building to enable design, production and systems integration in next generation semiconductor technologies, enhance collaboration among key players across the Union, strengthening Europe's semiconductor supply and value chains, serving key industrial sectors and creating new markets.
Amendment 156 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The achievement of these objectives will be supported by a governance mechanism. At Union level, this Regulation establishes a European Semiconductor Board, composed of representatives of the Member States and industry, and chaired by the Commission. The European Semiconductor Board will provide advice to and assist the Commission on specific questions, including the consistent application of this Regulation, facilitating cooperation among Member States and industry stakeholders, and exchanging information on issues relating to this Regulation. The European Semiconductor Board should hold separate meetings for its tasks under the different chapters of this Regulation. The different meetings may include different compositions of the high-level representatives and the Commission may establish subgroups.
Amendment 168 #
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 innovation challenge inimportance, scale, complexity, and cross-border nature of the semiconductor sector requires action to be taken collaboratively at Union level.
Amendment 181 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12 a (new)
Recital 12 a (new)
(12 a) The Commission should provide clear guidelines in the form of a specific Chips Fund Work Programme. It should include guidance on admissibility and eligibility, clear deadlines, the criteria for financial operational capacity and exclusion, information on mandatory documents to be provided, the evaluation procedures, and guidance on preparing the applications. Information on the structure, budget and political priorities of the Chips Fund should also be included. The Commission should also provide guidance on procedures to register and submit applications online via a specific and dedicated EU Chips Fund Portal.
Amendment 182 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12 b (new)
Recital 12 b (new)
(12 b) The Chips Fund activities should support the development of a dynamic and resilient semiconductor ecosystem. It should provide opportunities for increased availability of funds to support the growth of start-ups and SMEs as well as investment across the entire value chain. The European Innovation Council should provide further dedicated support through grants and equity investments to high- risk, market-creating innovators. Support and guidance should be provided, in particular, to SMEs on how to access public and private investment, including venture capital, with an aim of speeding up not only access, but also the application and approval process.
Amendment 183 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12 c (new)
Recital 12 c (new)
(12 c) The Commission should provide clear and readily available guidelines on the terms and conditions for the development of, and third party access to pilot lines, as well as the compatibility and accessibility of the Union virtual design platforms.
Amendment 184 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12 d (new)
Recital 12 d (new)
(12 d) Given the importance of collaboration with third parties in the area of R&D&I, the European Semiconductor Board and the Commission should establish clear and readily available guidelines on access modes, software and hardware for their participation in projects within the scope of this Regulation. Within the structures of the European Semiconductor Board, the EU-US Trade and Technology Council and other Union agreements and strategies with third countries, guidance should be provided to overcome existing obstacles to international cooperation in the field of R&D&I.
Amendment 186 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) In order to overcome the limitations of the current fragmented public and private investments efforts, facilitate integration, cross-fertilisation, and return on investment on the ongoing programmes and to pursue a common strategic Union vision on semiconductors as a means to realising the ambition of the Union and of its Member States to ensure a leading role in the digital economy, the Chips for Europe Initiative should facilitate better coordination and closer synergies between the existing funding programmes at Union and national levels, better coordination and collaboration with industry and key private sector stakeholders and additional joint investments with Member States. The implementation set up of the Initiative is built to pool resources from the Union, Member States and third countries associated with the existing Union Programmes, as well as the private sector. The success of the Initiative can therefore only be built on a collective effort by Member States, with the Union, to support both the significant capital costs and the wide availability of virtual design, testing and piloting resources and diffusion of knowledge, skills and competences. Where appropriate, in view of the specificities of the actions concerned, the objectives of the Initiative, specifically the ‘Chips Fund’ activities, should also be supported through a blending facility under the InvestEU Fund. The new concepts and ambitions of this Regulation should be supported with significant new financial provisions for the design, experimentation, manufacturing, packaging, and testing of advanced and evolving existing technologies and products within the Union's semiconductor ecosystem.
Amendment 187 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) Support from the Initiative should be used to address market failures or sub- optimal investment situations as a consequence of the high capital intensity, high risk, and complex landscape of the semiconductor ecosystem in a proportionate manner, and actions should not duplicate or crowd out private financing or distort competition in the internal market. Actions should have a clear added value for the Union.
Amendment 195 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) In order to encourage the establishment of the necessary manufacturing and related design capabilities, and thereby ensure the security of supply in the Union, public support may be appropriate. In that respect, it is necessary to set out the criteria for facilitating the implementation of specific projects that contribute to achieving the objectives of this Regulation and distinguish between two types of facilities, namely: Integrated Production Facilities and Open EU Foundries. Public support should be in line with the Commission Communication on a competition policy fit for new challenges, taking note of the exceptional situation as regard semiconductors. Public support should be subject to strong competition safeguards, and ensure the benefits are shared widely across the Union economy.
Amendment 205 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) Integrated Production Facilities and Open EU Foundries should provide semiconductor manufacturing capabilities that are “first-of-a-kind” in the Union and contribute to the security of supply and to a resilient ecosystem in the internal market. The qualifying factor for the production of a first-of-a-kind facility could be with regard to the technology node, substrate material, such as silicon carbide and gallium nitride, and other product innovation that can offer better performance, process technology or energy and environmental performance. A facility of a comparable capability on an industrial scale should not yet substantively be present or committed to be built within the Union, excluding facilities for research and development or small-scale production sitesse should be projects that are highly ambitious and innovative, aimed at developing technologies and processes that go beyond current technology or that will allow major improvements in performance, process, energy consumption, safety, and environmental impact. The project should contribute to a common objective, by enabling security of supply for the future of the Union's semiconductor industry, and where relevant, the security of the global semiconductor supply chain.
Amendment 222 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 25
Recital 25
(25) In light of their importance for ensuring the security of supply and enabling a resilient semiconductor ecosystem, Integrated Production Facilities and Open EU Foundries should be considered to be in the Union's economic, security, and public interest. Ensuring the security of supply of semiconductors is important also for digitalisation that enables the green transition of many other sectors. To contribute towards security of supply of semiconductors in the Union, Member States may apply support schemes and provide for administrative support in national permit granting procedures. This is without prejudice to the competence of the Commission in the field of State aid under Article 107 and 108 of the Treaty, where relevant. Member States should support the set-up of Integrated Production Facilities and Open EU Foundries in accordance with Union law.
Amendment 232 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 28
Recital 28
(28) In light of this, the Commission, in consultation with the European Semiconductor Board, should prepare the ground for a certification of green, trusted and secure chips and embedded systems that rely on or make extensive use of semiconductor technologies. In particular, they should discuss and identify the relevant sectors and products in need of such certification. The scheme should be self-certifying and in line with international standards. After 24 months the viability for a mandatory system of certification should be evaluated.
Amendment 248 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 32 b (new)
Recital 32 b (new)
(32 b) The European Semiconductor Board should seek to examine other market forces and events central to the operation of the semiconductor industry, such as energy prices and energy shortages. Where appropriate and in coordination with the Commission, recommendations for remedying the situation should be provided.
Amendment 250 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 33
Recital 33
(33) In order to carry out these monitoring activities, the competent authorities of Member States may need certain information, which may not be publicly accessible, such as information on the role of an individual undertaking along the semiconductor value chain. In those limited circumstances in which it is necessary and proportionate for the purpose of carrying out the monitoring activities, the competent authorities of Member States should be able to request this information from the undertaking in question. Where relevant, such information should be treated with strict confidentiality and in accordance with an established and clear set of guidelines, in order to protect sensitive business, economic and security related information.
Amendment 267 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37
Recital 37
(37) In order to forecast and prepare for future disruptions of the different stages of the semiconductor value chain in the Union, the Commission should, assisted by the European Semiconductor Board, identify and establish early warning indicators in the Union risk assessment. Such indicators could include the availability of raw materials, intermediate products and human capital needed for manufacturing semiconductors, or appropriate manufacturing equipment, the forecasted demand for semiconductors on the Union and global markets, price surges exceeding normal price fluctuation, the effect of accidents, attacks, natural disasters or other serious events, the effect of trade policies, tariffs, export restrictions, trade barriers and other trade related measures, and the effect of business closures, de-localisations or acquisitions of key market actors. Member States should monitor these early warning indicators. Industry stakeholders should be encouraged to do the same. The European Semiconductor Board and the Commission should establish mechanisms to provide guidance to industry on monitoring and reporting, in particular for start-ups and SMEs.
Amendment 273 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 42
Recital 42
(42) The semiconductor crisis stage should be triggered in the presence of concrete, serious, and reliable evidence of such a crisis. A semiconductor crisis occurs in case of seriousf there is a serious and extraordinary disruptions to the supply of semiconductors, leading to a significant shortages which entail significant delays and negative effects on one or more important economic sectors in the Union, either directly or through ripple effects of the shortage, given that the Union’s industrial sectors represent a strong user base of semiconductors. Alternatively or in addition, a semiconductor crisis also occurs when serious disruptions of the supply of semiconductors lead to significant shortages which prevent the supply, repair and maintenance of essential products used by critical sectors, for instance medical and diagnostic equipment. of products or services, which poses a serious and immediate threat to the functioning, health, economy, and security and defence of the Member States and Union citizens;
Amendment 292 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 46
Recital 46
(46) A number of sectors are critical for the proper functioning of the internal market. Those critical sectors are the sectors listed in the Annex of the Commission proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the resilience of critical entities61 . For the purposes of this Regulation, defence and other activities that are relevant for public safety and security shouldmay be additionally considered as a critical sectors. Certain measures should only be enacted fur the purpose of securing supply to critical sectors. The Commission may limit the emergency measures to certain of these sectors or to certain parts of them when the semiconductor crisis has disturbed or is threatening to disturb their operation. _________________ 61 COM(2020) 829. 16.12.2020Those critical sectors should be defined by the Commission in cooperation with the European Semiconductor Board.
Amendment 298 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 47
Recital 47
(47) The purpose of requests for information from undertakings along the semiconductor supply chain established in the Union in the crisis stage is an in-depth assessment of the semiconductor crisis in order to identify potential mitigation or emergency measures at Union or national level. Such information may include production capability, production capacity and current primary disruptions and bottlenecks. These aspects could include the typical and current actual stock of crisis-relevant products in its production facilities located in the Union and third country facilities which it operates or contracts or purchases supply from; the typical and current actual average lead time for the most common products produced; the expected production output for the following three months for each Union production facility; reasons that prevent the filling of production capacity; or other existing data necessary to assess the nature of the semiconductor crisis or potential mitigation or emergency measures at national or Union level. Any request should be proportionate, have regard for the legitimate aims of the undertaking and the cost and effort required to make the data available, as well as set out appropriate time limits for providing the requested information. Undertakings should be obliged to comply with the request and may be subject to penalties if they fail to comply or provide incorrect information. Any information acquired should be subject to confidentiality rules. Should an undertaking be subject to a request for information related to its semiconductor activities from a third country, it should inform the Commission so to enable an assessment whether an information request by the Commission is warranted.
Amendment 303 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 48
Recital 48
(48) In order to ensure that critical sectors can continue to operate in a time of crisis and when necessary and proportionate for this purpose, Integrated Production Facilities and Open EU Foundries could be obliged by the Commission to accept and prioritise orders of crisis-relevant products. This obligation may also be extended to semiconductor manufacturing facilities which have accepted such possibility in the context of receiving public support. The decision on a priority rated order should be taken in accordance with all applicable Union legal obligations and in consultation with the European Semiconductor Board and following a crisis assessment report, having regard to the circumstances of the case. The priority rating obligation should take precedence over any performance obligation under private or public law while it should have regard for the legitimate aims of the undertakings and the cost and effort required for any change in production sequence. Undertakings may be subject to penalties if they fail to comply with the obligation for priority rated orders.
Amendment 306 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 49
Recital 49
(49) The undertaking concerned should be obliged to accept and prioritise a priority rated order. In exceptional and duly justified cases, the undertaking could request the Commission to review the imposed obligation. This applies either where the facility is unable to fulfil the order even if prioritised, be it due to insufficient production capability or production capacity, or because this would place an unreasonable economic burden and entail particular hardship on the facility, be technically unfeasible and not possible to enact in a time sensitive manner, or have a negative impact on the wider semiconductor supply chain.
Amendment 309 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 50
Recital 50
(50) Under the exceptional circumstance that an undertaking operating along the semiconductor supply chain in the Union receives a priority rated order request from a third country, it should inform the Commission of this request, so as to inform an assessment of whether, if there is a significant impact on the security of supply to critical sectors, and the other requirements of necessity, proportionality and legality are satisfied in the circumstances of the case, the Commission should likewise enact a priority rated order obligation.
Amendment 314 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 53
Recital 53
(53) When the crisis stage is activated, two or more Member States couldmay mandate the Commission to aggregate demand and act on their behalf for their public procurement in the public interest, in accordance with existing Union rules and procedures, leveraging its purchasing power. The mandate couldmay authorise the Commission to enter into agreements concerning the purchase of crisis-relevant products for certain critical sectors. The Commission should assess for each request the utility, necessity and proportionality, and relevance and importance for the Union, in consultation with the Board. Where it intends to not follow the request, it should inform the concerned Member States and the Board and give its reasons. Furthermore, the participating Member States should be entitled to appoint representatives to provide guidance and advice during the procurement procedures and in the negotiation of the purchasing agreements. The deployment and use of purchased products should remain within the remit of the participating Member States.
Amendment 319 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 54
Recital 54
(54) During a semiconductor shortage crisis, it might become necessary and proportionate that the Union considers protective measures. The European Semiconductor Board may express its views to inform the Commission’s assessment of whether the market situation amounts to a significant shortage of essential products pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/479.
Amendment 320 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 55
Recital 55
(55) In order to facilitate a smooth, effective and harmonised implementation of this Regulation, cooperation and the exchange of information, the European Semiconductor Board should be established. The European Semiconductor Board should provide advice to and assist the Commission on specific questions. These s and provide a forum for Member States and industry stakehould include providingers from across the Union to coordinate and cooperate in the monitoring and development of the Union's semiconductor ecosystem. The European Semiconductor Board should provide advice on the Chips for Europe Initiative to the Public Authorities Board of the Chips Joint Undertaking; exchanging information on the functioning of the Integrated Production Facilities and Open EU Foundries; discussing and preparing the identification of specific sectors and technologies with potential high social impact and respective security significance in need of certification for trusted products and addressing coordinated monitoring and crisis response. Furthermore, the European Semiconductor Board should ensure the consistent application of this Regulation, facilitate cooperation between Member States as well as exchange of information on issues relating to this Regulation. The European Semiconductor Board should support the Commission in international cooperation in line with international obligations, including in information gathering, dialogue, and crisis assessment. In addition, the European Semiconductor Board should coordinate, cooperate and exchange information with other Union crisis response and crisis preparedness structures with a view to ensure a coherent and coordinated Union approach as regards crisis response and crisis preparedness measures for semiconductor crises.
Amendment 326 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 59
Recital 59
(59) In order to ensure trustful and constructive cooperation of competent authorities at Union and national level, all parties involved in the application of this Regulation should strictly respect the confidentiality of information and data obtained in carrying out their tasks. The Commission and the national competent authorities, their officials, servants and other persons working under the supervision of these authorities as well as officials and civil servants of other authorities of the Member States should not disclose information acquired or exchanged by them pursuant to this Regulation and of the kind covered by the obligation of professional secrecy. This should also apply to the European Semiconductor Board and the Semiconductor Committee established in this Regulation. Where appropriate, the Commission should be able to adopt implementing acts to specify the practical arrangements for the treatment of confidential information in the context of information gathering. Any breach of this confidentiality should result in a full investigation by the Commission, and if and where necessary, the Commission should revise the practical arrangements and guidance for the treatment of confidential information.
Amendment 350 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 10
(10) ‘first-of-a-kind facility’ means an industrial facility capable of contributing to the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem, including front-end or back- end, or both, that is not substantively already present or committed to be built within the Union, for instance with regard to the technology node, substrate material, such as silicon carbide and gallium nitride, and other product innovation that can offer better performance, process innovation or energy and environmental performanceand ambitious and innovative as well as aimed at developing technologies and processes that go beyond current technology or that will allow major improvements in performance, process, energy consumption, safety, and environmental impact, and capable of contributing to a common objective, by enabling security of supply for the future of the Union's semiconductor industry, and where relevant, the security of the global semiconductor supply chain.;
Amendment 381 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 17
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 17
(17) ‘crisis-relevant product’ means semiconductors, intermediate products and raw materials required to produce semiconductors or intermediate products, that are affected by the semiconductor crisis or of strategic importance to remedy the semiconductor crisis or economic effects thereofproducts and services within the semiconductor supply chain, that are in line with Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the resilience of critical entities;
Amendment 387 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 17 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 17 a (new)
(17 a) ‘crisis’ means a serious and extraordinary disruption to the supply of semiconductors, leading to a significant shortage of products or services, which poses a serious and immediate threat to the functioning, health, economy, and security and defence of the Member States and Union citizens;
Amendment 398 #
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 and to enable development and deployment of cutting- edge and next generation semiconductor and quantum technologies thatand the development and innovation of established technologies. Such measures 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 and a thriving economy.
Amendment 417 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b – point 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b – point 2
(2) supporting large scale innovation through access to new or existing pilot lines for experimentation, test, and validation of new and evolving existing design concepts integrating key functionalities, such as novel materials and architectures for power electronics fostering sustainable energy and electro mobility, lower energy consumption, security, higher levels of computing performance or integrating breakthrough technologies s. Such as neuromorphic and embedded artificial intelligence (AI) chips, integrated photonics, graphene and other 2D material based technologies;
Amendment 424 #
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 innovativon, such as the development of quantum chips.
Amendment 425 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point d – point 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point d – point 2
(2) address the skills shortage, attracting and mobilising new talent and supporting the emergence of a suitably skilled workforce for strengthening the semiconductor sector, including via reskilling and upskilling of workers, and increasing programmes for attracting third-country talent through initiatives such as the 'EU Talent Pool' and the European Skills Agenda. The Union shall also seek to streamline market tests in the semiconductor ecosystem to better facilitate attracting and developing skills of the future to realise the objectives of this Regulation; with an emphasis on support for academic, reskilling programmes and qualification, up to PhD level in the area of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and computer science.
Amendment 433 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point e – point 1
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point e – point 1
(1) improving the leverage effect of the Union budget spending and achieving a higher multiplier effect in terms of attracting private-sector financing; in this regard clear guidance and access points shall be provided in order to assist start- ups and SMEs in accessing public and private funds.
Amendment 435 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point e – point 3
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point e – point 3
(3) accelerating and improving accessibility to investment in the field of semiconductor manufacturing technologies and chip design and to leveraging funding from both the public and the private sectors, while increasing the security of supply for the whole semiconductor value chain.
Amendment 439 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) advanced technology and engineering capacities for leading edge semiconductors; for example quantum chips;
Amendment 454 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 4 – point d
Article 7 – paragraph 4 – point d
(d) the appropriate financial and technical viability corresponding to the level of Union funds it will be called upon to manage and demonstrated, where appropriate, through guarantees issued preferably by a public authority;
Amendment 463 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 8
Article 7 – paragraph 8
8. The ECIC shall have substantial overall autonomhority to lay down its membership, governance, funding, budget and the modalities by which the respective financial contributions from the members are called upon, voting rights and working methods. However, the organisation, composition and working methods of the ECIC, including any amendments to the Statutes, shall be in accordance with and contribute to the aims and objectives of this Regulation and the Chips for Europe Initiative and shall be notified to the Commission.
Amendment 465 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 9
Article 7 – paragraph 9
9. The ECIC shall produce an annual activity report, containing a technical description of its activities and financial statement. The annual activity report shall be transmitted to the Commission and made publicly available. The Commission may provide recommendations regarding the matters covered in the annual activity report. The Commission shall make this report available to the European Parliament.
Amendment 466 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1
1. For the purpose of implementing actions under the Initiative’s component referred to in Article 5, point (d), a European network of competence centres in semiconductors (the ‘network’) mayshall be established.
Amendment 476 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 3
Article 8 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall designate candidate competence centres in accordance with its national procedures, administrative and institutional structures through an open and competitive process. The Commission shall, provide a clear set of guidelines as to the procedures for selecting competence centres. The Commission shall by means of implementing acts, set the procedure for establishing competence centres, including selection criteria, and further tasks and functions of the centres with respect to the implementation of the actions under the Initiative, the procedure for establishing the network as well to adopt decisions on the selection of entities forming the network. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 33(2).
Amendment 480 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 4
Article 8 – paragraph 4
4. The network shall have substantial overall autonomhority to lay down its organisation, composition and working methods. However, the organisation, composition and working methods of the network shall be in accordance with and contribute to the aims and objectives of this Regulation and the Initiative.
Amendment 494 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) its establishment and operation have a clear positive impact on the efficacy of the Union’s semiconductor value chain with regard to ensuring the security of supply and increasing qualifi, efficiency, adaptability, and stability of supply and increasing the pool of a qualified and skilled workforce;
Amendment 504 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) it commits to invest in the next generation of chips, in projects that are highly ambitious, aimed at developing technologies and processes that go beyond current technology and will allow for major improvements in performance, safety, security, and environmental impact in line with the needs and aims of the Union's digital and green transformation; giving due consideration to ongoing and planned R&D&I activities and projects.
Amendment 513 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 3
Article 10 – paragraph 3
3. For the purpose of investfulfilling in the next generation of chips according toobjectives in paragraph 2, point (d), the Integrated Production Facility shall have priority access to the pilot lines set up in accordance with Article 5, point (b). Any such priority access shall be without prejudice to effective access to the pilot lines by other interested undertakings.
Amendment 524 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 11 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) its establishment and operation have a clear positive impact onand efficacy of the Union’s semiconductor value chain with regard to ensuring the security of supply and increasing qualified workforce, taking into account in particular the extent to which , efficiency, adaptability, and stability offers front-end or back-end, or both, production capacity to undertakings not related to the facility, if there is sufficient demand supply and increasing the pool of a qualified and skilled workforce;
Amendment 535 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 11 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) it commits to invest in the next generation of chips and in projects that are highly ambitious, aim to develop technologies and processes that go beyond current technology and will allow major improvements in performance, safety, security and environmental impact in line with the ongoing and planned R&D&I activities and projects.
Amendment 549 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) a business plan evaluating the financial and technical viability of the project, including information on any planned public support;. All data and documentation submitted as part of this application shall be carefully protected in accordance with the rules reflected in this regulation, and which reflects the sensitive business, economic, and security related information contained.
Amendment 553 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point d
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point d
(d) provision of an appropriate supporting document proving the readiness of the Member State or Member States where the applicant intends to establish its facility to facilitate the set-up of such a facility. The Commission shall provide clear guidelines on the information required and its relevant format, in order to provide uniformity of applications and assessment.
Amendment 560 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
The Commission shall process the application and adopt its decision within a timely mannerset time period and notify the applicant thereof.
Amendment 561 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 3
Article 12 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall regularly monitor the activities of the Integrated Production Facilities and the Open EU Foundries. Where the Commission finds that a facility no longer fulfils the criteria set out in Articles 10(2) or in Article 11(2) respectively, it shall notify the findings to the European Semiconductor Board. After consultingThe Commission shall produce a change in circumstance assessment in consultation with the European Semiconductor Board and; after hearing from the facility. Depending upon the outcome of the assessment and the hearing, the Commission may repeal the decision granting a facility the status of Integrated Production Facility or Open EU Foundry. The facility shall be notified at the earliest possible stage that such a decision is being considered.
Amendment 563 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 4
Article 12 – paragraph 4
4. The Commission may, after consulting the European Semiconductor Board, repeal a decision recognising the status of an Integrated Production Facility or an Open EU Foundry if the recognition was based on an application containing incorrect information. that was intentional or showed bad faith, which fundamentally affects the premise of fulfilling the eligibility to access its status as an Integrated Production Facility or an Open EU Foundry, and in which the facility has failed to remedy the situation, or is unable to remedy the situation.
Amendment 564 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Stresses that it is essential for undertakings to have business certainty and continuity in order to operate. Therefore, undertakings shall have the right to appeal the decision to withdraw status within an agreed deadline set by the European Semiconductor Board and the Commission. In the event of a decision being appealed by an undertaking, the original assessment and any additional findings shall be examined. If the decision to withdrawal status is disputed within the European Semiconductor Board, the Board shall hold a vote in order to confirm the final decision and continue with the repeal of the existing Integrated Production Facility or Open EU Foundry status. In the event the decision is confirmed, a managed and phased end to such relationship shall be agreed and enacted.
Amendment 568 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1
Article 13 – paragraph 1
1. Integrated Production Facilities and Open EU Foundries shall be considered to contribute to the security, efficiency, adaptability and stability of supply of semiconductors in the Union and therefore to be in the public interest.
Amendment 572 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 2
Article 13 – paragraph 2
2. In order to reach security, efficiency, adaptability and stability of supply in the Union, Member States may, without prejudice to Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty, apply support schemes and provide for administrative support to Integrated Production Facilities and Open EU Foundries in accordance with Article 14.
Amendment 575 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 13 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. The Commission shall provide clear and transparent guidance on how the funding gap is assessed, including the information required to ensure uniform assessment for applications.
Amendment 580 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that administrative applications related to the planning, construction and operation of Integrated Production Facilities and Open EU Foundries are processed in an efficient, transparent, and timely manner. To that end, all national authorities concerned shall ensure that the most rapid treatment legally possible is given to these applications.
Amendment 583 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Through the European Semiconductor Board and in cooperation with the Commission, Member States shall seek to establish recommendations to establish minimum restrictions by public authorities at a national level, in order to encourage faster permitting processes, create a uniform process and standard across Member States, and to reduce fragmentation across the Union.
Amendment 587 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 3
Article 14 – paragraph 3
3. The security of supply of semiconductors may be considered an imperative reason of overriding public interest withinis of key public interest, therefore, full consideration shall be given with regard to the planning, construction and operation of Integrated Production Facilities and Open EU Foundries and the necessity to override the meaning of Article 6(4) and Article 16(1)(c) of Directive 92/43/EEC and of overriding public interest within the meaning of Article 4(7) of Directive 2000/60. Therefore, the planning, construction and operation of Integrated Production Facilities and Open EU Foundries may be considered of overriding public interest, provided that the remaining other conditions set out in these provisions are fulfilled. Nonetheless, this Regulation must fulfil the objectives of a sustainable digital and green transition.
Amendment 593 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
To ensure a secure, efficient, agile and stable Union-wide semiconductor ecosystem, supply chain monitoring must be a key objective of this Regulation and the role of the European Semiconductor Board. Member States shall carry out regular monitoring of the semiconductor value chain. In particular, they shall:
Amendment 604 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Member States and industry representatives shall provide relevant findings to the European Semiconductor Board in the form of regular updates. Their regularity shall be reviewed during crisis situations.
Amendment 611 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Amendment 612 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3
Article 15 – paragraph 3
3. National competent authorities designated pursuant to Article 26(1) may request through the structures of the European Semiconductor Board, information from representative organisations of undertakings or individual undertakings operating along the semiconductor supply chain where necessary and proportionate for the purpose of paragraph 1. National competent authorities in such case will pay particular attention to SMEs to minimise administrative burden resulting from the request and will privilege digital solutions for obtaining such information. Any information obtained pursuant to this paragraph shall be treated in compliance with the confidentiality obligations set out in Article 27. This information shall be provided through the single point of contact established by the Commission.
Amendment 617 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. The Commission shall produce an annual report in cooperation with the European Semiconductor Board in order to assess the regularity of information requests, the type and volume of information being requested, in particular from SMEs. It shall identify if necessary, the need to further streamline processes and provide further support in navigating information requests in the context of this Regulation.
Amendment 623 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 7
Article 15 – paragraph 7
7. 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. The Commission mayshall issue guidance, after consulting the European Semiconductor Board, to further specify the information to be gathered and define the technical specifications and formats.
Amendment 638 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Member States in consultation where necessary and proportionate with industry representatives shall identify key market actors along the semiconductor supply chains in their national territory in accordance with a pre-defined criteria agreed by the European Semiconductor Board and the Commission, taking into account the following elements:
Amendment 647 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. A semiconductor crisis shall be considered to occur when there areis a serious and extraordinary disruptions in to the supply of semiconductors, leading to a significant shortages, which: of products or services, which poses a serious and immediate threat to the functioning, health, economy, and security and defence of the Member States and the Union citizens;
Amendment 658 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 3
Article 18 – paragraph 3
3. Before the expiry of the duration for which the crisis stage was activated, the Commission shall, after consulting the European Semiconductor Board and industry stakeholders, assess whether the activation of the crisis stage should be prolonged. Where the assessment concludes that a prolongation is appropriate, the Commission may prolong the activation by means of implementing acts. The duration of the prolongation shall be specified in the implementing acts adopted in accordance with Article 33(2). The Commission may repeatedly decide to prolong the activation of the crisis stage where this is appropriate.
Amendment 660 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 4
Article 18 – paragraph 4
4. During the crisis stage, the Commission shall, upon request from a Member State or on its own initiative, convene extraordinary meetings of the European Semiconductor Board as necessary. Member States and industry representatives shall work closely with the Commission and coordinate any national measures taken with regard to the semiconductor supply chain within the European Semiconductor Board.
Amendment 661 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 18 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. The triggering of the crisis stage shall be accompanied by a crisis situation assessment report, drawn up by the Commission and the European Semiconductor Board, and made available to the European Parliament.
Amendment 662 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 5
Article 18 – paragraph 5
5. Upon expiry of the duration for which the crisis stage is activated, the measures taken in accordance with Articles 20, 21 and 22 shall cease to apply. The Commission in consultation with the European Semiconductor Board shall review the Union risk assessment pursuant to Article 16(2) no later than six months after the expiry of the duration of the crisis stage, the conclusions of that review shall be made available to the European Parliament.
Amendment 672 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 19 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. Where the crisis stage is activated and where appropriate in order to address the semiconductor crisis in the Union, the European Semiconductor Board mayshall assess and advise on further appropriate and effective emergency measures, for example:
Amendment 682 #
6. The Commission mayshall, after consulting the European Semiconductor Board and industry stakeholders, issue guidance on the implementation and the use of the emergency measures.
Amendment 686 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1
Article 20 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall, after consulting the European Semiconductor Board, request representative organisations of undertakings or, if necessary, individual undertakings operating along the semiconductor supply chain to inform the Commission, where necessary and proportionate and in line with the confidentiality rules provided in this Regulation, about their production capabilities, production capacities, current primary disruptions and provide other existing data necessary to assess the nature of the semiconductor crisis or to identify and assess potential mitigation or emergency measures at national or Union level.
Amendment 689 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 20 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. In the event of a crisis situation, and the information already provided by organisations and undertakings proves insufficient to fully assess the measures needed to be taken to mitigate the risks, then on a case-by-case basis and after consultation with the European Semiconductor Board, further information may be requested. Such information shall be treated in accordance with the basic principles and minimum standards of security for protecting information and data of this nature.
Amendment 690 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 20 – paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. In the event of a data breach or unauthorised disclosure of information and data collected, this shall result in a full investigation by the Commission or competent authority, and if necessary a revision of the guidelines applied to the treatment, storage and handling of the data under the requirements of this Regulation. The Commission or Member States shall ensure the appropriate action is taken. The entity or undertaking has the right to decline sharing further information until an investigation has been carried out, and a remedy has been sought.
Amendment 691 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1 c (new)
Article 20 – paragraph 1 c (new)
1 c. There shall be a single point of contact established by the Commission for such information to be provided to reduce administrative burden in reporting measures, and to reduce the risk of data breaches and the unauthorised disclosure of business, security, and economically sensitive information.
Amendment 694 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 2
Article 20 – paragraph 2
2. The request for information shall state its legal basis, be proportionate and necessary in terms of the granularity and volume of the data and frequency of access to the data requested, have regard for the legitimate aims of the undertaking and the cost and effort required to make the data available, and set out the time limit within which the information is to be provided. It shall also indicate the penalties provided for in Article 28.
Amendment 695 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 4
Article 20 – paragraph 4
4. Should an undertaking supply incorrect, incomplete or misleading information in response to a request made pursuant to this Article as a consequence of bad faith or recklessness, or not supply the information within the prescribed time limit, it shall be subject to fines set in accordance with Article 28.
Amendment 697 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 5
Article 20 – paragraph 5
5. Should an undertaking established in the Union be subject to a request for information related to its semiconductor activities from a third country, it shall inform the Commission in such a manner as to enable the Commission to request similar information if necessary and relevant to its tasks. The Commission shall inform the European Semiconductor Board of the existence of such request from a third country.
Amendment 714 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 4
Article 21 – paragraph 4
4. The obligations under paragraph 1, 2 and 3 shall be enacted by the Commission via decision. The decision shall be taken in accordance with all applicable Union legal obligations, having regard to the circumstances of the case, including the principles of necessity and proportionality. The decision shall in particular have regard for the legitimate aims of the undertaking concerned and the cost and effort, effort, technical practicality, and long-term business consequences, required for any change in production sequence. In its decision, the Commission shall state the legal basis of the priority rated order, fix the time-limit within which the order is to be performed, and, where applicable, specify the product and quantity, and state the penalties provided for in Article 28 for non- compliance with the obligation. The priority rated order shall be placed at fair and reasonable price, reflective of the market price.
Amendment 715 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 21 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. For those facilities carrying out a priority rated order, the Commission may work within the structures of the European Semiconductor Board to enable Member States to introduce new tax incentives or substantially improve existing ones to stimulate investment in research in the area of semiconductors in accordance with the Commission Communication - Towards a more effective use of tax incentives in favour of R&D.
Amendment 723 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 5 – point b
Article 21 – paragraph 5 – point b
(b) if acceptance of the order would place an unreasonable economic burden and, risk to business continuity, or entail particular hardship for the undertaking.
Amendment 724 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 6
Article 21 – paragraph 6
6. Where an undertaking is obliged to accept and prioritise a priority rated order, it shall not be liable for any breach of contractual obligations that is required to comply with the priority rated orders. The liability shall be excluded only to the extent the violation of contractual obligations was necessary for compliance with the mandated prioritisation. Where necessary and relevant, the Commission shall enter into dialogue with third parties.
Amendment 738 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 6 a (new)
Article 22 – paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. The Commission shall ensure that separation of activities and independence is maintained throughout the process, in relation to its other tasks conducted under this Regulation and in relation to the European Semiconductor Board.
Amendment 778 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 1
Article 27 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission and the national competent authorities, their officials, servants and other persons working under the supervision of these authorities as well as officials and civil servants of other authorities of the Member States shall not disclose information acquired or exchanged by them pursuant to this Regulation and of the kind covered by the obligation of professional secrecy. They shall strictly respect the confidentiality of information and data obtained in carrying out their tasks and activities in such a manner as to protect in particular intellectual property rights and sensitive business, economic and security related information or trade secrets. This obligation shall apply to all representatives of Member States, observers, experts and other participants attending meetings of the European Semiconductor Board pursuant to Article 23 and the members of the Committee pursuant to Article 33(1).
Amendment 780 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 2
Article 27 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission and Member States may exchange, where necessary,on a case-by-case basis, where necessary and proportionate, and in full compliance with the rules set out within this Regulation and Union law with regard to sensitive business, economic and security related information, exchange confidential information with competent authorities of third countries with which they have agreed on bilateral or multilateral confidentiality arrangements to provide an adequate level of confidentiality.
Amendment 799 #
1. By three years after the date of application of this Regulation and every four years thereafter,Every 18 months the Commission shall submit a report on the evaluation and review of this Regulation to the European Parliament and to the Council. The findings of the report shall be presented to the European Parliament. The reports shall be made public.
Amendment 800 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 35 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Sensitive and restricted information shall be redacted or processed by the European Parliament in accordance with existing rules and protocols.