The White House convened a landmark summit on January 5, 2026, with technology leaders and international partners to formalize the Silicon NATO concept, establishing a comprehensive diplomatic framework designed to coordinate semiconductor export controls and research collaboration among the United States, Japan, Netherlands, and European Union.
The initiative represents a strategic response to growing concerns about semiconductor supply chain security, technology leadership competition with China, and the critical importance of advanced chips for both economic competitiveness and national security. The alliance aims to maintain Western technological advantages in cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing.
Key provisions of the Silicon NATO framework include harmonized export control policies to prevent advanced semiconductor technology and manufacturing equipment from reaching adversarial nations, coordinated research and development initiatives to advance next-generation chip technologies, information sharing on supply chain vulnerabilities and security threats, and joint investment strategies to strengthen manufacturing capacity within allied nations.
The participating nations represent the dominant forces in global semiconductor manufacturing and equipment production. The Netherlands hosts ASML, the sole manufacturer of extreme ultraviolet lithography machines essential for advanced chips. Japan provides critical materials and equipment. The US leads in chip design and some manufacturing. The EU seeks to rebuild domestic production capacity.
Industry executives attending the summit expressed support for coordinated approaches that provide clarity on export regulations and reduce the risk of policy fragmentation that could complicate global operations. However, some raised concerns about potential trade restrictions limiting market access.
The alliance acknowledges the semiconductor industry's central role in modern geopolitics, where advanced chips enable everything from artificial intelligence systems to military capabilities, making technology policy inseparable from national security strategy.