When the Netherlands unilaterally restricted exports of advanced semiconductor equipment in 2023, it triggered an unexpected chain reaction across Brussels. By examining the contrasting playbooks of the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Lithuania, this article uncovers who actually shapes European technology policy—and delivers crucial lessons for the upcoming battle over AI hardware controls.

Can the EU build its own “Section 301” for semiconductors, as President Macron proposed in May 2026? This article argues that only an amended Chips Act 2.0 could fulfill this proposal, through a security-of-supply award criterion in public procurement capped at 15%.