ASML and the Limits of Europe’s Technological Sovereignty
Some numbers require pages of analysis before their geopolitical significance becomes clear. Others almost explain the problem by themselves.
That was Europe’s share of ASML’s revenue in the first half of 2026, according to the company’s reported figures. Europe had accounted for 1% in 2025 and 5% in 2024. Commenting on the situation, ASML Executive Vice President Frank Heemskerk put it more starkly: the company was selling “absolutely nothing” in Europe.
The irony should be difficult for European policymakers to miss.
ASML is not simply another successful European technology company. It occupies one of the most consequential positions in the entire global semiconductor production system. It is the world’s sole supplier of extreme ultraviolet lithography systems, the machines required to manufacture the most advanced generations of semiconductors.
Its technological position is becoming more important, not less. In July 2026, ASML announced that Intel Foundry had begun using its High-NA EUV...
Copyright of this story solely belongs to hackernoon.com. To see the full text click HERE
