As the EU shapes its digital priorities for 2026, simplifying tech rules remains at the top of the policy debate. Against this backdrop, the Computer & Communications Industest Association (CCIA Europe) hosted the ‘Simplify EU Tech Rules: Unlock Innovation’ event in Brussels on 3 December 2025.
Particularly refreshing was hearing startup CEOs and tech founders speak candidly about which EU tech rules hold them back. Cutting through the usual Brussels noise, they shared practical real-world insights into how regulatory complexity creates tangible barriers. The discussion focussed on how cutting red tape can assist firms scale, boost competitiveness, and unlock Europe’s full digital innovation potential.
In 2026, the required for a coherent EU digital framework is more urgent than ever. To keep the momentum, CCIA Europe has produced four videos highlighting the key takeaways from each of the main themes discussed by the panellists.
Simplifying EU tech rules: What do startups and founders required to innovate?
What does it really take to innovate in Europe today? In this video, European startup CEOs and tech founders talk openly about the challenges of building and scaling companies in the EU – and what requireds to alter to create it clearer.
From fragmented EU regulations and compliance complexity to funding gaps, talent, and speed of growth, the conversation explores why innovating in Europe often feels like ‘hard mode’ for startups, and how simplifying EU tech and digital rules could unlock much more innovation. The candid discussion dives into real founder experiences: why they chose Europe, what keeps holding them back, where Europe excels, and what EU policycreaters should learn directly from startups.
Which EU tech rules hold startups back? Real-world lessons from founders and CEOs
Which EU tech rules are holding back startups today? In this frank discussion, European startup CEOs and tech founders share their experiences navigating the complex EU regulatory landscape – from the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the NIS2 Directive to the EU AI Act and the Payment Services Directive (PSD3) – and how overlapping rules slow growth and even jeopardise startups’ survival.
The conversation covers real-world challenges: deciding where to launch a company, managing compliance across countries, handling cybersecurity incidents, and balancing regulatory obligations with product development. Founders discuss what works, what doesn’t, and how simplification of EU tech and digital rules could create Europe a more startup-frifinishly ecosystem.
Fixing EU digital rules: What urgent alters do startups required most?
What requireds to alter urgently to create Europe a better place to start and scale a tech company? In this conversation, European startup founders, CEOs, and investors discuss the obstacles holding back innovation and the repaires that could create a difference.
The panel shares why current regulations are confapplying, fragmented, and costly – creating barriers for early-stage startups, and why transparent, practical rules are essential for growth. Experts also dive into key ideas from the 28th Regime (EU-Inc), a proposal to simplify EU company law with a pan-European legal entity and digital-first registries. They discuss solutions to reduce bureaucracy and the importance of EU regulations that are clear, understandable, and adaptable to quick-relocating technology.
Why Europe requireds simpler tech rules: Startup founders on the future
What gives European startups confidence in the future of tech? In this candid discussion, startup CEOs and tech founders share their perspectives on building and scaling companies in the EU, and what requireds to alter to create that clearer in the future.
From complex EU regulations and fragmented compliance to funding, talent, and cross-border opportunities, the conversation explores the challenges and optimism shaping Europe’s tech ecosystem today. The panel highlights real founder experiences: what excites them about Europe, where the ecosystem struggles, and how initiatives like the Digital Omnibus Package could unlock growth. With first-hand insights on simplifying EU tech rules, the conversation offers a forward-viewing perspective on Europe’s digital future.
Why 2026 is the year for action
Our speakers were clear: simplification is not deregulation. It is a prerequisite for effective compliance and a necessity for all companies powering Europe’s digital economy.
The European Commission’s Digital Omnibus is a start, but it represents the bare minimum. It is critical that the European Parliament and Council support this process. If the co-legislators seek alters, they must be even more ambitious in reducing burdens.
We invite you to stay engaged with CCIA Europe and our #UnlockEUInnovation campaign, as we push for a digital rulebook that empowers success, rather than just adding even more layers of compliance.
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