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%.

Governments face significant barriers to AI procurement due to the complexity of EU AI law and a lack of clear implementation guidance. Key challenges include definitional ambiguity around AI and a significant knowledge gap between public procurers and AI vendors. Data quality and technology infrastructure issues are also hampering the effective use of AI. The article highlights the critical need for clearer, practical guidance at both EU and national level to ensure compliant AI procurement.