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 , 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
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.
