Samsung Discusses Introduction of High-NA EUV Equipment and R&D Collaboration
Former CEO Wennink Acts as a Bridge Between the Dutch Government and Samsung
Samsung and ASML: 30 Years of Partnership and Ongoing Investment in Research Facilities
Semiconductor Industry Focuses on Samsung's Enhanced Fine Process Technology
The Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs and the former CEO of semiconductor equipment company ASML visited Samsung Electronics' semiconductor plant in Pyeongtaek.
According to industry sources on the 20th, Dirk Wiersma, the Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs, and Peter Wennink, former CEO of ASML, along with other Dutch government officials, met with Samsung Electronics' semiconductor executives on the 19th to discuss cooperation plans.
It is widely analyzed that they likely discussed Samsung's upcoming import of the 'High-NA EUV lithography equipment,' research and development (R&D) collaboration, and investment plans.
ASML is the only company in the world that produces EUV (extreme ultraviolet) lithography equipment and is referred to as the 'super subcontractor' in the semiconductor industry.
The High-NA EUV, which applies cutting-edge technology, is equipment capable of implementing ultra-fine semiconductor processes below 2 nm (nanometers, one billionth of a meter), and its price is known to be around 400 to 500 billion KRW per unit.
Industry insiders expect Samsung Electronics to begin importing this equipment as early as this year.
There is analysis that former CEO Wennink played a bridging role between the Dutch government and Samsung during this visit. He led ASML from 2013 and maintained close cooperation with Samsung, and even after stepping down as CEO last year, he continues to maintain relations with Samsung.
At the end of 2023, when he was CEO, ASML decided to build a state-of-the-art semiconductor research facility worth 1 trillion KRW in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, together with Samsung Electronics, and the project is currently underway.
Samsung and ASML have been major partners with over 30 years of cooperation. Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong has strengthened cooperation by visiting ASML headquarters during his trips to Europe. Last August, at the Paris Olympics, he maintained a close relationship by watching swimming events together with former CEO Wennink.
On the 19th, at the 'Semicon Korea 2025 Leadership Dinner' event, former CEO Wennink told reporters, "Chairman Lee is a good friend with whom I have worked for a long time," emphasizing their special relationship.
Prospects for expanded cooperation between the Dutch government, ASML, and Samsung: After visiting Samsung's Pyeongtaek plant, Minister Wiersma and former CEO Wennink attended the 'Semicon Korea 2025 Leadership Dinner' event along with ASML CEO Christopher Veenstra, sharing industry outlooks with key figures in the semiconductor industry.
If Samsung Electronics introduces the High-NA EUV equipment, it is expected to significantly enhance its fine process technology capabilities. Industry attention is focused on whether this visit by Dutch government officials will signal an expansion of cooperation between Samsung and ASML.
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