EU’s bold Startup & Scaleup Strategy targets growth and cross-border expansion
The EU Commission has unveiled its Startup & Scaleup Strategy to bolster young tech firms and scaleups across Europe. The plan includes financial support, simplified regulations, and targeted measures for sectors like defence technology. Industry leaders have responded with cautious optimism, though some gaps remain in the proposed reforms.
A key part of the strategy is creating an EU-wide legal framework to simplify founding a business and expanding across countries. The Commission also wants to make it easier for startups to hire foreign skilled workers and manage cross-border employment. These steps aim to reduce bureaucracy and help companies grow faster.
The Investment Pact and Scaleup Europe Fund will mobilise more capital for scaleups. Additional measures include promoting university spin-offs, improving access to computing power, and providing financial incentives. DefTech startups will receive special attention, with dedicated investment tools expected by 2026.
Bitkom, Germany’s digital industry association, welcomed the strategy. Its president, Dr. Ralf Wintergerst, praised the focus on key areas but noted that the plan lacks clear details on easing access to public contracts. Under current EU procedures, member states would handle implementation once the legislation is adopted.
The strategy sets out concrete steps to support tech startups, from funding to cross-border operations. However, its success will depend on how effectively member states apply the new rules. The Commission’s next challenge will be ensuring the measures deliver real-world benefits for young companies.
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