ASML Holding N.V. (commonly shortened to ASML, originally standing for Advanced Semiconductor Materials Lithography) is a Dutch multinational corporation founded in 1984. ASML specializes in the development and manufacturing of photolithography machines which are used to produce computer chips.
A former employee of microchip machine manufacturer ASML has been banned from entering the Netherlands for a period of 20 years. It concerns a 43-year-old Russian engineer accused of repeatedly violating Russian sanctions, according to Nieuwsuur. He is suspected of stealing items over years, such as microchip documentation from ASML, and also similar confidential paperwork from chip technology company Mapper Lithography.
Russia continues to import the ASML line of equipment. It is used by microchip manufacturers who work, in particular, with the military industry. According to Russian customs and open registers, ASML equipment was initially imported by AK Mikrotech. In July 2023, it came under Western sanctions and probably stopped importing these products.