EU moves toward joining US-led Pax Silica tech alliance aimed at reducing reliance on China

European Union member states have given initial approval for the bloc to join Pax Silica, a United States-led initiative to build a global technology alliance focused on secure semiconductor and advanced technology supply chains. The step signals closer transatlantic coordination on critical tech, even as the EU pursues its own ambition of greater technological sovereignty.

The final political decision on EU participation is expected on 8 June, when ministers meet in Luxembourg. If endorsed, the European Commission would be authorised to sign the Pax Silica declaration on behalf of the entire Union.

What is Pax Silica?

Pax Silica, announced by the US Department of State at the end of 2025, is designed to create alternative supply chains for semiconductors and microprocessors that are less dependent on China. The name, which can be translated as “silicon peace”, reflects Washington’s aim to stabilise and secure the global technology ecosystem among like-minded partners.

Some EU countries have already joined the initiative individually, including Finland, the Netherlands, Greece and Sweden. Extending participation to the whole EU requires unanimous backing from all member states, which ambassadors provided in principle during a meeting in Brussels.

EU ambassadors back Commission mandate

According to EU sources, national ambassadors meeting in Brussels on Wednesday granted the European Commission a preliminary mandate to sign the Pax Silica declaration for the Union as a whole. Formal adoption is planned for 8 June at a meeting of EU ministers in Luxembourg.

Once approved, the EU would become a collective signatory alongside existing partners from Europe, the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East, reinforcing its role in emerging technology governance and supply-chain coordination.

Alliance focused on secure tech supply chains

The Pax Silica declaration outlines a shared vision of strengthening economic partnerships through coordinated action on investment security, infrastructure and incentives. The goal is to develop and protect strategic parts of the global technology value chain without overreliance on a small number of foreign suppliers.

The declaration encourages cooperation across a wide spectrum of technologies and supporting industries, including:

• Software applications and platforms
• Advanced foundational AI models
• Digital connectivity and network infrastructure
• High-performance computing capacity
• Semiconductors and microelectronics
• Advanced manufacturing and industrial technologies
• Transport and logistics systems
• Refining and processing of critical minerals
• Energy systems supporting digital infrastructure

By working together on these areas, signatories aim to build more resilient and diversified supply chains that reduce exposure to geopolitical risks and disruptions.

Technology sovereignty: EU balances US and China

The move toward joining Pax Silica coincides with the European Commission unveiling a new package aimed at strengthening the EU’s technological sovereignty. The initiative seeks to cut Europe’s dependency on external suppliers of key digital technologies, while still maintaining open markets and global partnerships.

Although the Commission did not single out individual countries, the context is clear. China remains the dominant supplier of many critical raw materials, including rare earth elements vital for electronics, batteries and renewable energy technologies. At the same time, US-based digital platforms have a commanding position in the EU’s online ecosystem.

According to Commission estimates, more than 80 percent of products, services and intellectual property in the digital sector used in the EU originate outside the bloc. This imbalance has fuelled political pressure in Europe to secure more control over key technologies, from chips and cloud infrastructure to AI and cyber security tools.

Tensions over big tech rules with Washington

Despite the closer alignment implied by Pax Silica, EU–US tech relations are not without friction. Brussels’ regulatory push to curb the power of large online platforms, notably through the Digital Markets Act (DMA), has drawn criticism from Washington. US officials and industry argue that some EU rules disproportionately affect American companies.

This tension creates a complex backdrop: while the EU and US seek to coordinate on strategic technologies and supply-chain security, they continue to diverge on digital market regulation and competition policy.

Broad international support for the initiative

Pax Silica has already attracted a diverse group of participants beyond the EU. Countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Israel and the United Arab Emirates have signed the declaration, reflecting a shared interest in more secure and diversified technology supply lines.

In Poland, the initiative has also featured in bilateral contacts. On 14 May, Polish foreign minister Radosław Sikorski discussed Pax Silica with US ambassador to Poland Tom Rose, underlining that the alliance is becoming a regular element of diplomatic and economic dialogue between Washington and its partners.

Next steps for the EU

If EU ministers confirm the ambassadors’ recommendation on 8 June, the European Commission will be empowered to sign the Pax Silica declaration. The Union would then need to translate the high-level commitments into concrete projects and policy coordination with other signatories.

For the EU, participation in Pax Silica would complement internal efforts to boost chip manufacturing, secure access to critical raw materials and support next-generation digital infrastructure. At the same time, it will require careful balancing of its strategic autonomy agenda with deepening dependence on US technology and security partnerships.