ASML is a global leader in chip production and a technological center of gravity in Brainport Eindhoven. Based in Veldhoven, the company develops lithography systems that are indispensable for the latest generations of microchips. ASML's innovations set the pace of digital progress - from smartphones to supercomputers.
ASML is no average tech company - it is a crucial link in the global semiconductor industry. The machines developed by the Veldhoven-based company are so technologically complex that only a handful of customers worldwide can utilize them. Still, virtually every chip in the world ultimately relies on them. In this dossier, we track the technological advancements, strategic decisions, and regional implications of one of the most influential companies of our time.
May 4, 2025
Despite an investment of €80 billion, high energy prices and a shortage of rare raw materials are putting Europe in a difficult position.
April 4, 2025
Dijsselbloem sees a significant role for the European Commission in coordinating and optimizing national competition strategies.6
March 26, 2025
Christophe Fouquet warns that Europe could lose its leading companies if better protection is not provided.
Working in Eindhoven means experiencing ASML's influence daily - in technological innovation, in conversations within the industry, as well as the downside of rapid growth, such as pressures on the housing market and infrastructure. It is fascinating to write about a company that is both a technical and geopolitical plaything. ASML demonstrates how deeply local innovation can become intertwined with global interests—and how complex that can sometimes be.
