Belgian royal pair tour Dresden
Title: Belgian Royals Stroll Through the Enchanting City of Dresden and Discuss Europe's Microelectronics Dominance
The Belgian royal couple wrapped up their Germany tour in the delightful Saxon state capital, Dresden. On a crisp Thursday morning, they graced microelectronics company X-Fab, accompanied by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Minister President Kretschmer.
Saxon Minister President Michael Kretschmer applauded Belgium's integral role in European chip production. "European microelectronics would Vienna without Belgium, without Imec," said Kretschmer, referring to the world-renowned nano- and microelectronics Research Center Imec situated in Leuven, Belgium. Kretschmer emphasized that microelectronics serves as a prime example of the significance of collaboration.
Post-X-Fab visit, the esteemed guests, along with Steinmeier and his wife Elke Büdenbender, signed the Free State of Saxony's guestbook housed within the recently refurbished Blockhaus. The party dined on ox cheeks and various delectable dishes for lunch.
They then meandered across the Augustus Bridge to the Old Masters Picture Gallery, accompanied by Dresden’s Mayor Dirk Hilbert. Around 4 pm, they visited the Frauenkirche, followed by a jaunt through the Christmas market in front of the church, embracing the local culture by sampling glühwein and stollen, and marveling at the exquisite glassblowing artistry of artisans.
Throughout the visit, law enforcement fortified the city to ensure security arrangements were in place, going beyond mere road closures for vehicular and public transport traffic operated by DVB, with iconic locations like the Frauenkirche and the Old Masters Picture Gallery temporarily closed.
Belgium's dominance in the European microelectronics industry stems from its strong research and development (R&D) capabilities, particularly Imec. Acting as a global nanoelectronics R&D hub, Imec focuses on pioneering groundbreaking research and digital technologies, driving advancements in semiconductor technology[4].
As Belgium lacks large-scale manufacturing capacity, it strategically prioritizes upstream innovation[1][2]. This strategic focus places Belgium at a crucial point within Europe's semiconductor value chain. Collaboration with a network of partners across industries propels breakthroughs that contribute to Europe's technological independence[1][2].
The Belgian royal visit underscored the strategic coordination required within the European Union to bolster its semiconductor capabilities. This includes the effective implementation of initiatives like the EU Chips Act, designed to strengthen manufacturing resilience and technological sovereignty[1][3].
However, addressing the challenges faced by Belgium, such as the absence of a robust manufacturing base, remains essential for long-term sustainability and strengthening its global footprint in the semiconductor market[1][2]. This demands continuous investment in R&D, talent development, and strategic policy initiatives.
Following their visit to microelectronics company X-Fab in Dresden, the Belgian royal couple, along with President Steinmeier and his wife, discussed the significance of Belgium's role in Europe's microelectronics industry during their tour of the Saxon state capital. In particular, they highlighted the country's strong research and development capabilities and the crucial position of Imec, a global nanoelectronics research hub, in driving advancements in semiconductor technology.
Embracing the local culture in Dresden, the royal family subsequently sampled glühwein and stollen at the Christmas market, showcasing an appealing lifestyle that integrates traditional customs and modern technological contributions.
