CHIPS Investment Expected to Nearly Double U.S. Production Capacity of Sensor and Power Chips at Bloomington, Minnesota Manufacturing Facility Today, as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced its first award under the CHIPS Incentives Program’s Funding Opportunity for Commercial Fabrication Facilities of up to $123 million in direct funding to Polar Semiconductor (Polar). The award follows the previously signed preliminary memorandum of terms and the completion of the Department’s due diligence....

Read more

I would like to thank Secretary General Guterres and H.E. K P Sharma Oli, Prime Minister of Nepal, for spearheading this important discussion on strengthening our multilateral system for a better tomorrow. The timing could not be more important—the choices we make this decade will be critical for determining our future. When we look into the future, it is important to first recognize where we are today. Let me start with the current state of the global economy. On the...

Read more

Yesterday's main takeaways from the College Members included President Ursula von der Leyen's speech at the Association of Small Island States Leaders' Meeting. You can read the full speech here. Furthermore, High Representative Josep Borrell chaired the informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers. You can read the full press remarks at the press conference here. Commissioner Ylva Johansson hosted representatives from partner countries and international organisations to discuss migration and forced displacement. Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen signed a Declaration with the World Food Programme. Commissioner Kadri Simson delivered opening remarks at the Sustainability Summit. You can read the full...

Read more

The following is an address by former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, ahead of his recent report titled "The future of European competitiveness – A competitiveness strategy for Europe." You can read the full report at the link below.   Dear Madame President, Dear Honourable Members of the European Parliament, Dear Executive Vice-President of the European Commission,   Let me start by saying that I’m very honoured to be invited to speak to you in this plenary today. And I would like to thank the President...

Read more

By Luca Nocciola and Alejandro Zamora-Pérez What factors could drive transactional demand for central bank digital currency (CBDC)? We analyse payment survey data to arrive at a framework for understanding the role of adoption frictions and design strategies in shaping CBDC demand. The results of our analysis show that, while consumers may initially prefer to use more traditional payment methods, a design tailored to their specific needs could significantly increase CBDC uptake. Raising awareness and capitalising on network effects could also boost...

Read more