Eindhoven (NL) would have been obvious as well (NXP, ASML, Infineon, Philips)

Germany wouldn't have subsidised that one though - this was German money.

Germany is a big player (politically and financially) in the EU and the Eurozone and it's benefitial to have them on your side.

(Also such a large economy can offer better (aka larger) subsidies if they want to)

Eindhoven is also still growing: https://siliconcanals.com/news/startups/dutch-smart-photonic... Much smaller though!

It's probably good for the EU in general to have multiple silicon hubs.

Eindhoven also has a recent influx of PhDs from Philips looking for a new place to work...

although imo Eindhoven isn't exactly the most... attractive place to live for many people. Dresden on the other hand seems like it's somewhat en vogue

Makes sense. Thank you!