The Netherlands is investing 2.5 billion euros in the Brainport Eindhoven microchip sector

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The Dutch government, in collaboration with regional authorities, will invest heavily in the microchip sector in the Brainport Eindhoven region. The project, known as ‘Project Beethoven’, aims to address challenges such as staff shortages, lack of space and energy constraints. This initiative includes an investment of 2.51 billion euros.

The microchip industry, essential for everyday technologies such as telephones, solar panels and medical equipment, is an important pillar of the Dutch economy and labor market. The importance of this sector is further enhanced by the contribution it makes to the security and independence of the Netherlands compared to other countries. The investments are intended to ensure that the Netherlands remains an attractive location for the microchip sector and its suppliers.

Important parts of the investment package include stimulating talent development, with a commitment of 450 million euros until 2030 and then structurally 80 million per year, and investments in infrastructure. These include improvements to Eindhoven Central station and the accessibility of the region, with a total contribution of 718 million euros from the central government and 340 million euros from the region.

In addition, investments are being made in housing construction to address the shortage of affordable homes, with a joint contribution of 425 million euros from the government and the region to realize the construction of almost 20,000 homes. This is in addition to the already agreed growth of 45,000 homes in the regional housing deal.

Of the total contribution of 2.51 billion euros, 1.73 billion euros comes from the central government, of which 1.28 billion euros comes from the budget of the National Growth Fund and the rest from other sources, including the Mobility Fund. These investments fit within the objectives of the National Growth Fund to strengthen the future earning capacity of the Netherlands.

The government expects that ASML, an important player in the sector, will further invest in the Netherlands and retain its statutory, tax and actual seat in the Netherlands. The package of measures is based on current growth forecasts and investment plans for the semiconductor sector and Brainport Eindhoven. If these plans change, the forecasts and required efforts will be adjusted.