As the European Union enters a new parliamentary mandate and the upcoming European Commission takes shape, Europe stands at a pivotal moment for growth, innovation, and competitiveness.

In this context, the startup organisations from Europe’s most digitally advanced countries, represented by the S9+ coalition, will host an event to explore shared priorities and strategic responses to some of Europe’s most crucial challenges: the shortage of startups and unicorns, gaps in critical technologies, constraints in capital and investment for innovation, and a decline in global competitiveness.

Date & time

11 December 2024, 18:00-21:30

Location

Radisson RED Brussels, Rue d'Idalie 35, 1050 Brussels

Registration

Registration is free of charge, however the number of spots are limited.

The S9+ coalition represents Europe’s digital frontrunners, those who have paved the way in driving innovation across the continent. However, being “best in class” is not enough if the entire class is falling behind. In his report, Mario Draghi echoed a point that startup organisations have long emphasised: Europe urgently needs a shift in its economic model to remain competitive globally. To enable this change, a more supportive and flexible regulatory framework is needed to nurture the startup ecosystem.

Has the growth of European startups been hindered by regulatory fragmentation and limited access to external funding? This environment has compelled nearly 30% of Europe’s unicorns to relocate, often to the United States, where conditions for scaling, securing investment, and going public are more favourable. At this moment in time, Europe has the opportunity to bridge the innovation gap with global leaders like the U.S. and China.

As the S9+ coalition calls for a “regulatory break”, particularly in the tech sector, this event will serve as an open forum to exchange insights and build momentum around policy frameworks that can empower Europe’s current and next generation of innovators.

We invite policymakers, innovators, and key stakeholders to engage in this timely discussion and collaboratively shape a prosperous digital future for Europe. Join us in shaping a future where Europe’s startup ecosystem can flourish, ensuring that the next wave of groundbreaking ideas is developed and scaled in Europe!

The S9+ Coalition

S9+ is a coalition of startup organisations from Europe’s most digitally advanced countries – the D9+ nations. Their mission is to foster an environment that enables entrepreneurs and startups to thrive, driving growth, innovation, and modernization across Europe.

Programme

18:00-18:20 – Guest registration & Welcome drinks

18:20-18:25 – Introduction

All S9+ startup organisations will take the stage for a quick introduction.

18:25-18:35 – Opening Remarks by the Host

Opening remarks by MEP Morten Løkkegaard (RE/DK), who will set the tone for the discussion, outlining the importance of this dialogue for Europe’s startup ecosystem and the policy landscape.

18:35-19:20 – Panel 1: EU tech policy: What can startups expect from the new Commission?

In the previous mandate, we witnessed a growing trend of new tech regulations (such as the AI Act, the Digital Services Act, the Digital Markets Act, etc.). Some worry that these regulations may create new market entry barriers and a more complex legal framework, thus making it more difficult for startups and other innovative tech companies to scale in the EU. This raises important questions: how can we ensure future policies promote innovation rather than stifle it? Could a “regulatory break” focusing on the implementation and compliance with existing digital policies help Europe’s startup ecosystem thrive without the disruption of constant change? Will the nomination of a Commissioner for Startups and of an Executive Vice President for Tech Sovereignty help the startup ecosystem? Together with our panellists, we will delve into these crucial topics.

Speakers:

MEP Morten Løkkegaard – European Parliament, Renew Europe

MEP Niels Flemming Hansen – European Parliament, European People’s Party

András Inotai – European Commission, DG R&I

Hedi Mardisoo – Cachet, Estonian Founders Society

Lucien Burm – Dutch Startup Association (moderator)

19:20-19:35 – Break

19:35-20:20 – Panel 2: Empowering startups: Why Europe needs open markets, not barriers

Access to global markets is essential for a startup’s success. However, with protectionism on the rise just as EU policymakers are beginning to recognise the critical role of startups, a question arises: can this political landscape support the growth of Europe’s startup ecosystem? While Europe’s startup landscape is growing, it remains heavily reliant on external financing and markets for expansion. Internal obstacles, such as limited venture capital, heavy regulatory burdens, and an incomplete Single Market, continue to pose serious challenges and enforce reliance on non-EU support. Without bold action from the EU, this shifting political landscape could fatally undermine Europe’s emerging startup ecosystem. This panel will explore how startups can thrive, grow and even relocate to Europe.

Speakers:

MEP Paulo CUNHA – European Parliament, European People’s Party

MEP Anouk van Brug – European Parliament, Renew Europe

MEP Urmas Paet – European Parliament, Renew Europe

Michiel Scheffer – European Innovation Council, European Commission

Christian Walther – OOONO

Serena Borbotti-Frison – Allied for Startups (moderator)

20:20-20:30 – Summary & Call to Action

Peter Kofler, Chairman of Danish Entrepreneurs and MEP Morten Løkkegaard (RE/DK) will wrap up the event by highlighting the progress made over the past five years in building a startup-friendly framework in Europe. They will pass the D9+ torch to the Dutch, and the EU presidency to the new trio: Poland, Cyprus and Denmark.

20:30-21:30 – Networking Reception

Connect with fellow innovators, policymakers, and key stakeholders at the networking reception. This is your chance to spark new collaborations, exchange ideas, and build lasting partnerships that will help shape the future of Europe’s thriving startup ecosystem. This is an exciting moment to celebrate the new beginnings that are on the horizon for the startup ecosystem in 2025 and beyond!