Is Europe Making Big Moves in the Semiconductor Industry?

The global chip market bounced back in 2024 with nearly 20% growth, and 2025 is shaping up to be even bigger with global sales expected to top $600 billion. Europe is stepping up as a serious player in this space, aiming to boost its role in the global supply chain and build long-term tech independence.

Right at the centre of this momentum is Ireland, which continues to punch above its weight by drawing major investments in semiconductor R&D, design, and manufacturing.

At AA Euro Group, we’re keeping a close eye on this shift and the exciting job opportunities it’s creating across the continent.

An Industry on the Rise, Europe’s Strategic Push

In 2023, the European Union launched the EU Chips Act, a major project that will raise €43 billion in public and private investment.

What is its main purpose?

To increase Europe’s share of the global semiconductor market from 10% to 20% by 2030. This move is significant shift towards digital sovereignty and supply chain resiliency.

Key Insights – Semiconductor Industry Impact

• €43 billion investment through the EU Chips Act (public and private combined)
• Over 500,000 indirect jobs supported across the value chain in Europe
• €200 bn + in planned semiconductor investments across Europe by 2030
• Global market size for semiconductors expected to hit $1 trillion by 2030

Job Creation

The semiconductor sector is creating a wide range of jobs across the continent. From engineers and data scientists to construction managers and cleanroom technicians, the industry is creating high-value, future-proof careers.

Noteworthy Roles in Demand:

• Process Engineers – critical in managing chip production processes
• Cleanroom Technicians – operate in highly controlled environments in fabs
• Equipment Maintenance Engineers – vital for fab uptime
• R&D Scientists – driving chip innovation and materials science
• IC Design Engineers – designing chips for AI, automotive, and IoT
• Construction & Project Managers – overseeing the massive infrastructure builds

The increase in demand for new semiconductor facilities across Europe is influencing not only the technology industry, but also driving major expansion in the building sector. With dozens more factories currently under construction or planned, the surge is generating thousands of employment for engineers, contractors, and skilled tradesmen.

With this increase in infrastructure development, the semiconductor industry is becoming a key job creator in the region, benefiting both the technology and construction industries.

Country Focus & Key New Semiconductor Facilities in Europe

Germany

Germany, home to global leaders such as Infineon, Bosch, and GlobalFoundries fabs, is positioning itself as Europe’s semiconductor leader Expecting to generate 10,000+ jobs, including in high-skill manufacturing and research.

• TSMC + Infineon + NXP (ESMC) | Dresden: A joint venture between TSMC (70%) and European champions Infineon, Bosch & NXP (10% each) has broken ground on a €10 billion 300 mm fab in Dresden, targeting 16–28 nm nodes tailored for automotive and industrial use. Production is set to begin in 2027, with full monthly capacity of 40,000 wafers by 2029. Supported by €5 billion in EU and German funding.

• Infineon Technologies | Dresden: Infineon has multiple fabs in Dresden, specializing in power semiconductors and automotive-grade chips. With a further  €5 billion investment in a separate analogue/mixed-signal fab in Dresden focused on power semiconductors for EVs and renewable energy. EU state aid of €920 million has been approved, and full operations are expected by 2026.

• GlobalFoundries | Dresden: GlobalFoundries operates Fab 1 in Dresden, which includes multiple modules producing 300 mm wafers using 40 nm, 28 nm bulk, and 22 nm FDSOI technology. Together, those modules have a combined capacity of up to 80,000 300 mm wafers per month

Ireland

Ireland may not be home to mega-fabs, but it plays a crucial role in Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem. Known for its skilled workforce, robust R&D landscape, and favourable business environment, Ireland remains a key destination for design, development, and advanced manufacturing.

• Intel is doubling capacity at its Leixlip fab (Fab 34) with a €12 billion expansion to bring Intel 4 (7 nm equivalent) process technology online, strengthening its EU foundry and manufacturing services footprint.
• Separately, IDA Ireland has earmarked over €100 million for a greenfield site designed to attract future semiconductor FDI, signalling proactive readiness for more growth.
• Analog Devices & Infineon: Significant presence in Limerick and Cork.
• Job creation: Over 5,000 direct semiconductor-related jobs, with many more in supporting roles.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Ireland continues to attract major semiconductor firms expanding their European footprint. Several R&D expansion projects are already underway, bolstered by supportive government policies and proximity to EU markets.

France

France is positioning itself as a European innovation hub for advanced chip technologies. With a strong legacy in microelectronics and a growing number of public-private collaborations, the country is making bold investments in next-gen semiconductor R&D and production.

• STMicroelectronics & GlobalFoundries | Crolles, France: In Crolles near Grenoble, STMicroelectronics and GlobalFoundries are building a €7.5 billion 300 mm fab focused on 18 nm FD‑SOI tech for automotive, IoT, and infrastructure chips. Supported by €2.9 billion in French government aid, it aims to reach full capacity by 2028, producing up to 620K wafers/year.

Italy

Italy is carving out a niche in power electronics and energy-efficient chip technology, with a particular focus on silicon carbide (SiC) for electric vehicles and renewable energy applications.

• STMicroelectronics SiC Fab | Catania: STMicro is expanding in Catania with a €5 billion investment to build a silicon carbide (SiC) device line for EV power modules. €2 billion is supported through the EU Chips Act, with production projected by 2026 and weekly output of 15,000 wafers by 2033.

Poland

Poland is quickly emerging as a key backend hub in Europe’s chip supply chain, attracting major investment in packaging, assembly, and test facilities that complement upstream chip manufacturing.

• Intel Assembly & Test Facility | Wrocław, Poland: Intel plans a packaging and testing facility near Wrocław, supported by over €1.7 billion in government aid. Expected to create ~2,000 jobs, this site fits into a broader European strategy of expanding backend capacity.

Austria

Austria is investing in specialised semiconductor segments, particularly in optoelectronics and sensor technologies, to support high-growth areas such as automotive safety and medical diagnostics.

• OSRAM Optoelectronics Fab | Premstätten, Austria: Recently approved under the Chips Act, this €567 million project in Styria will produce advanced optoelectronic sensors for automotive and medical markets, backed by €227 million in public funding.

Europe’s Role and Future Career Security in Semiconductors

Europe is quickly emerging as a major player in the semiconductor industry, aiming to double its global market share through the EU Chips Act and significant public-private investment.

This shift isn’t just about economic competitiveness, it’s also about securing a resilient, sovereign tech future for the continent. For job seekers, that means the semiconductor sector offers long-term career security across a wide spectrum of disciplines.

As Europe fortifies its role in global supply chains, the industry promises stable, high-value employment making it one of the most future-proof sectors in the modern economy.

Partner with AA Euro Group

If your company is looking to hire experienced professionals or skilled trades and labour workers within the semiconductor, construction, engineering, or M&E industries, AA Euro Group is ready to support you.

With recruitment operations across Europe and the UK, offices in 11 countries, and a deep, established talent pool, we can help you find the right people to drive your projects forward. Get in touch with our team to discuss your hiring needs.