Europe’s Microwave Market Heats Up: Insights from EuMW 2025 in Utrecht

Author: Keith Wong

Updated on: 

Keywords: Europe RF market, microwave devices, EuMW 2025, RF circulators, RF isolators, Hzbeat, 6G microwave, automotive radar, European microwave conference, Utrecht Netherlands

EuMW 2025 exhibition banner in Utrecht

Banner: EuMW 2025, Utrecht, Netherlands — placeholder image path on hzbeat.com

Introduction

The European microwave and radio‑frequency (RF) industry is moving into a decisive acceleration phase. The European Microwave Week 2025 (EuMW 2025) — hosted in Utrecht, the Netherlands, from September 21–26 — functioned as both a technological showcase and a market barometer. Across three flagship conferences — EuMC (European Microwave Conference), EuMIC (Integrated Circuits Conference), and EuRAD (Radar Conference) — plus a large‑scale exhibition, researchers and manufacturers converged on one message: innovation through frequency.

For suppliers of microstrip circulators, drop‑in circulators, coaxial circulators, and waveguide isolators, EuMW 2025 clearly signaled rising demand across automotive radar, 5G/6G networks, and defense sensing. This article distills the verified highlights, data‑driven market context, and strategic implications for European stakeholders.

Market Overview: Europe’s Microwave Industry in Numbers

Multiple respected market studies indicate strong momentum in Europe’s RF and microwave ecosystem. According to Grand View Research (2024), the European RF Components Market reached USD 9.14 billion in 2024 and is projected to expand to USD 19.67 billion by 2030, registering a 13.8% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). For Germany specifically, Grand View estimates a rise from roughly USD 2.5 billion (2024) to USD 5.73 billion (2030) at a 14.8% CAGR.

KBV Research (2025) similarly forecasts the European RF components market to grow at about 13.1% CAGR (2024–2031). Complementing component‑level analysis, Business Market Insights (2025) projects the European RF Front‑End Chip Market to expand from USD 4.6 billion in 2022 to USD 10.6 billion by 2030, while Mordor Intelligence (2025) expects the global RF components market to exceed USD 44 billion by 2030. Together, these numbers confirm that Europe’s microwave market is structurally expanding, not simply cycling.

Highlights from EuMW 2025

The official programme shows EuMW 2025 integrating EuMC, EuMIC, and EuRAD alongside a major trade exhibition. Hot‑topic sessions focused on millimeter‑wave modules, wideband filters, AI‑assisted calibration, and sub‑THz measurement. Selected highlights include:

  • Automotive Radar (76–81 GHz) & ADAS: Industry sessions — including those featuring dSPACE — highlighted compact radar front‑ends with beamforming and over‑the‑air test strategies. These reflect Europe’s rapid adoption of high‑resolution sensing for intelligent mobility.
  • Beyond 100 GHz and Toward Terahertz: University labs and start‑ups presented sub‑THz mixers, low‑loss waveguide links, and packaging experiments targeting 6G backhaul and satellite payloads.
  • AI‑Driven RF Calibration: Papers in EuMIC and EuRAD explored machine‑learning for real‑time calibration, adaptive beam control, and interference suppression — pointing to hardware–software co‑design as a competitive lever.
  • Localization & Resilience: Numerous European vendors stressed “designed and calibrated in Europe,” indicating a shift to localized supply chains and service nodes.

Source: EuMW 2025 Official Programme; dSPACE EuMW event listing.

Key Market Drivers

  1. Automotive Radar & Intelligent Mobility: Growing ADAS adoption is accelerating demand for compact, thermally stable, and low‑loss microwave modules — including SMT isolators and integrated front‑ends.
  2. 6G and High‑Frequency Backhaul: European research programs are validating 100+ GHz links for 6G testbeds, driving requirements for broadband filters and precision coaxial circulators.
  3. Defense & Security Modernization: Multi‑band radar and electronic‑warfare upgrades increase demand for reliable waveguide components.
  4. EU Policy Support & Localization: Chips‑Act‑aligned incentives encourage domestic semiconductor and RF test capacity, shortening verification cycles.
  5. Materials & Advanced Packaging: GaN‑on‑SiC, low‑loss laminates, and improved calibration workflows are reducing insertion loss while improving power handling.

Challenges & Risks

Challenge Impact on Industry
High‑Frequency Packaging & Yield mmWave integration increases fabrication cost and yield risk; thermal drift and assembly tolerances affect VSWR and isolation.
Dependence on Specialty Materials Ferrite, GaN wafers, and precision calibration equipment often rely on a limited supplier base; supply shocks ripple quickly.
Fragmented Standards Divergent regional frequency plans and protocols complicate interoperability across borders and applications.
Talent Shortage Experienced RF IC, EM simulation, and automation engineers remain scarce; hiring cycles slow productization.
Price Pressure & Homogenization As more competitors enter, undifferentiated components face margin compression and longer design‑win cycles.

Strategic Recommendations for Suppliers

  • Focus on Core Differentiation: Decide whether your edge lies in filters, microstrip circulators, drop‑in circulators, or integrated modules — then deepen specialization.
  • Adopt Modular & Platform Architectures: Design broadband modules with configurable frequency options, enabling faster adaptation to OEM requirements.
  • Invest in AI‑Assisted Calibration: Pair precision hardware with ML‑based alignment and beam optimization to reduce field‑tuning costs.
  • Build Localized European Nodes: Establish R&D, calibration, and service centers in Europe to improve trust, lead‑time, and compliance readiness.
  • Collaborate via EU Programs: Engage in Horizon Europe and Chips Act consortia to access funding and shape interoperability standards.
  • Extend from Components to Systems: Offer software tools, consulting, and turnkey subsystems to raise margins and stickiness.

Summary

EuMW 2025 confirmed a pivotal reality: Europe’s microwave market is accelerating. Verified market data show double‑digit growth through 2030, while conference sessions highlighted practical advances in automotive radar, 6G backhaul, and defense sensing. The competitive edge will belong to suppliers who combine component excellence with platform thinking, AI‑assisted calibration, and localized ecosystems. As Europe moves further into the high‑frequency era, now is the time to commit to smarter, smaller, and more resilient RF solutions.

FAQ

Q1: What is EuMW 2025?

European Microwave Week is the continent’s largest annual event for RF, microwave, and radar professionals, combining EuMC, EuMIC, EuRAD, and a major exhibition in Utrecht.

Q2: What growth is forecast for Europe’s RF market?

Studies indicate approximately 13–14% CAGR through 2030, with Germany showing leading acceleration.

Q3: Which sectors drive demand?

Automotive radar and ADAS, 5G/6G communication links, defense radar and EW, and selected industrial microwave applications.

Q4: What are the biggest challenges?

High‑frequency packaging and calibration, dependency on specialty materials, fragmented standards, and a shortage of experienced RF engineers.

Q5: How should suppliers respond?

Focus on differentiated strengths, adopt modular platforms, integrate AI‑assisted calibration, and build localized European service nodes.

References

  1. Grand View Research (2024). Europe RF Components Market Report 2024–2030.
  2. KBV Research (2025). Europe Radio Frequency Components Market.
  3. Business Market Insights (2025). Europe RF Front‑End Chip Market Forecast to 2030.
  4. Mordor Intelligence (2025). RF Components Market — Growth, Trends, Forecast (2025–2030).
  5. EuMW 2025 Programme. Official Programme (PDF).
  6. dSPACE GmbH (2025). EuMW 2025 Event Page.
  7. MathWorks (2025). Event Listing: European Microwave Week 2025.
  8. Krytar Inc. (2025). EUMW 2025 Overview.

Note: Market numbers are cited from the public summaries of the listed sources. Please consult the full paid reports for deeper segmentation and methodology details.

About the Author

HzBeat Editorial Content Team

Marketing Director, Chengdu Hertz Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. (Hzbeat)
Keith has over 18 years in the RF components industry, focusing on the intersection of technology, healthcare applications, and global market trends.