Wales joins the European Semiconductor Regional Alliance
Cymru'n ymuno â Chynghrair Ranbarthol Lled-ddargludyddion Ewrop
The Welsh Government has become a signatory of an alliance of European regional governments, promoting growth, fostering collaboration, and developing strong value chains in the semiconductor industry.
The Welsh Government’s Representative on Europe, on behalf of Minister for the Economy Vaughan Gething, has signed a declaration to join the European Semiconductor Regional Alliance (ESRA), becoming one of the 19 founding regions of the Alliance.
The ESRA will act as a regional platform as well as a partner to the European Union and will promote the competitiveness of the industry globally. The ESRA’s activities focus on:
- Research and Innovation: developing new technologies and applications,
- Skills and Talent: promoting education and training programmes,
- Cluster Development: promoting regional clusters and cross-regional partnerships.
Following the signing of the Declaration, Wales’ Economy Minister Vaughan Gething said:
“I’m delighted that the Welsh Government has become a signatory of the European Semiconductor Regional Alliance.
“The Welsh Government is ambitious for the semiconductor sector in the south-east of Wales and the objectives of the ESRA align with our Programme for Government and our Innovation Strategy, published earlier this year.
“Joining the ESRA will provide new opportunities for Welsh companies to embed themselves in European supply chains, support innovation, collaboration and ultimately create a more resilient semiconductor sector.”
Signing on behalf of the Welsh Government, Wales’ Representative on Europe, Derek Vaughan said:
“Europe remains Wales’ closest and most important trading partner, and our new membership of the European Semiconductor Regional Alliance will support our International Strategy as we maintain a close and positive relationship with the European Union.”
The signing ceremony, hosted by the Prime Minister of the Free State of Saxony, took place at the European Committee of Regions in Brussels on 7th September.
Notes to editors
Following approval of the European Chips Act by the Council of the European Union, Europe’s leading semiconductor regions initiated a process to establish the ESRA.
On the 6th of March 2023, 13 regional governments from nine member states signed a joint declaration of intent to establish the ESRA:
- Region of the Basque Country, Kingdom of Spain
- Federal State of Carinthia, Republic of Austria
- Region of Catalonia, Kingdom of Spain
- Centro Region, Portuguese Republic
- Region of Flanders, Kingdom of Belgium
- Free State of Bavaria, Federal Republic of Germany
- Free State of Saxony, Federal Republic of Germany
- Province North-Brabant, Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Province of Overijssel, Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Region of Piedmont, Italian Republic
- South Moravian Region, Czech Republic
- Region SUD - Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, French Republic
- Federal State of Styria, Republic of Austria
Shortly thereafter, Andalusia became the 14th member.
The signing ceremony on 7th September marks the formal launch of the Alliance. 21 regions will sign however a total of 27 regions across 12 nations have expressed an interest in joining.