[November-18-2025] ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet used his appearance on Buitenhof to send a clear signal: ASML is committed to the Netherlands, determined to expand its footprint, and expecting the next Dutch government to create a far more competitive business environment. The conversation ranged from geopolitical tensions to regulatory burdens, and Fouquet offered a rare, direct look at how the world’s most important semiconductor equipment provider views its future in Europe.
Fouquet addressed the recent tensions between the Dutch government and China, including the dispute regarding chipmakers and export decisions. While he said ASML is “not worried” and believes the situation is under control, he highlighted that these episodes reveal how fragile and interconnected the global semiconductor ecosystem is.
He pointed to the COVID-19 chip shortages as a reminder of how deeply global supply chains depend on each other, and argued that semiconductor policy requires careful, continuous dialogue.
On the tariff war triggered by President Trump, Fouquet explained that the direct impact on ASML today is limited. However, any increase in cost for moving parts between Europe and the US could eventually hurt ASML’s American customers.
Notably, ASML received an exemption from the recent 15% US tariffs on European goods—because the US needs ASML equipment to build domestic fabs, and raising prices would slow down factory construction.
Fouquet also clarified the chain of responsibility in export restrictions:
He emphasized that The Hague must ultimately act based on Dutch and European priorities.
Fouquet directly shut down rumors about relocation: “We’re here to stay.”
ASML will continue to grow in the Netherlands and is preparing a major new campus in Eindhoven, with groundbreaking expected around 2026. The goal is to relieve space constraints and create room for the company’s next decade of expansion. Fouquet acknowledged the importance of the Netherlands in ASML’s rise and said the company remains deeply committed to the region.
Fouquet laid out a surprisingly concrete list of demands—almost a roadmap for keeping high-tech industry in Europe. ASML plans 10–15 years ahead, and he argued that politics must create consistency and competitiveness if Europe wants to remain relevant.
His four-point message:
Long-term focus
Government must maintain a stable strategy for AI, semiconductors, and energy—regardless of political shifts.
Easier investment
Europe makes investment “too complicated,” especially compared with the United States.
Improve competitiveness
The government should enable businesses, not attempt to run them. Europe cannot compete globally if conditions fall behind the US and China.
Radical regulatory reform
Fouquet called for major deregulation—not small simplifications.
“Redo regulation, undo regulation, stop red-taping every single thing,” he said, urging a complete modernization of the business environment.
His final request was pointed:“Come to us and ask us what we need.”
ASML recently bought an 11% minority stake in French AI company Mistral for €1.3 billion.
Fouquet framed this not as a financial move, but as a strategic integration of AI into ASML’s core.AI will help ASML:
He contrasted Mistral’s B2B focus with US companies like OpenAI, noting that Mistral can tailor models specifically to ASML’s machines and data.
