FinancialMediaGuide reports that the recent intervention by the Netherlands in Nexperia, where the majority shareholder is China’s Wingtech, has sent a significant signal. The Dutch government invoked the Goods Availability Act to strengthen oversight of the company and its decisions. According to ASML management, the crisis will not affect lithography equipment deliveries in the short term.
The motivation behind this move was “serious managerial deficiencies” at Nexperia that could threaten key technological supply chains in Europe. The law grants the government the right to block or annul board decisions, though the company’s production continues. In court, CEO Zhang Xuezheng was suspended, and an interim manager was given decisive authority. FinancialMediaGuide sees this as a sign of Europe’s growing focus on technological sovereignty.
China reacted quickly, imposing export restrictions on Nexperia’s chips, which has increased pressure on the European automotive industry, heavily dependent on these components. FinancialMediaGuide emphasizes that this is not a trade dispute but a geopolitical conflict in which technology and semiconductors are being used as tools of influence.
This conflict could become a long-term trend. Fragmentation of global semiconductor supply chains is possible, with key companies like ASML at the center of strategic competition between blocs. Financial Media Guide believes that Europe must develop a systemic strategy for technological autonomy: strengthening oversight institutions, coordinating across the EU, and supporting key companies. Dialogue with China and other major players will help mitigate escalation risks and restore stability to chip supply chains.
In the current situation, there is an opportunity to establish a new paradigm of technological sovereignty in Europe, where control over semiconductor supply chains becomes a strategic priority rather than a temporary measure.
