ASML is one of the key technology companies in the world, on which chip manufacturers depend. ASML is the world’s only manufacturer of lithography machines used to produce the most advanced semiconductors.
ASML depends on migrants
“We built our company with people who represent over 100 nationalities,” said AMSL CEO. “Attracting global talent is a key requirement for success and this must continue,” he said Christopher Fouquet.
To build a company like ASML“you need access to capital, to people, to energy, you also need space to build a factory,” said Fouquet. “And if you want to compete with other countries, such as China or the USA, you not only have to meet these conditions, but you have to meet them as well as possible,” he added.
Christophe Fouquet also warned that success ASML it should not be treated as obvious and given once and for all.
Restrictive migration policy of the new government
New Dutch-led government Geert Wilders’ Freedom Party wants to implement some of the most restrictive migration rules in the country’s history. Wilders asked the European Union for an exemption (“opt out”) from the migration agreement and promised to stop the flow of international students into Netherlandsstrengthening border controls, freezing decisions on asylum applications and threatened to deport migrants.
The Netherlands, once considered one of the most open economies in Europe, is now facing a wave of criticism from companies that the Dutch business climate is becoming less attractive. Many companies base their operations largely on the work of people from abroad, including: ASMLchip manufacturer NXP Semiconductorsconstruction company Boskalis or consumer giant Unilever. These companies have previously expressed criticism of the new government’s plans to tighten migration.
However, ASML does not plan to move
Still though ASML has no plans to move to another country – assured Christophe Fouquet. However, the company wants to develop its operations abroad, but based on existing connections in other countries.
This year, the Dutch government pledged to invest €2.5 billion in infrastructure and educational projects in the Eindhoven region to prevent ASML from escaping abroad.
“We are not considering moving a large part of our operations abroad at all,” added the ASML CEO.