The European Processor Initiative (EPI) is on the cusp of a significant achievement. SiPearl, the lead developer behind the Rhea1 processor, has finally entered the tape-out phase after experiencing several delays. However, the earliest expected delivery date is now 2026. When the project was initiated in 2020, SiPearl had initially aimed for production by 2023. Nonetheless, the chip, boasting an impressive 61 billion transistors, only commenced the tape-out process this summer.