This section aims to help national stakeholders understand the European Union’s agenda and priorities and understand the plans’ full significance, identify strategic opportunities and align their activities with Europe’s ambitions.

For years, Europe has been known for its strong research and innovation base, but too many of its startups have scaled abroad. Now, with the launch of the Startup and Scaleup Strategy – “Choose Europe to start and scale”, the EU is shifting gears to make Europe the natural home for fast-growing, innovative companies. This marks a turning point in how Europe supports entrepreneurs — from early-stage startups to globally competitive scaleups. 

This Market Intelligence Briefing breaks down what is coming: simpler rules to reduce fragmentation, new financing opportunities to rival global markets, stronger pathways to help startups win their first big customers, and measures to attract and retain the best talent. It also looks at Europe’s ambition to build world-class infrastructure and ensure that startups play a central role in strengthening resilience and strategic autonomy. 

National strategies are moving in the same direction. In Luxembourg, for instance, the government has complemented its “From Seed to Scale” roadmap with a bold 10-point Action Plan, backed by €300 million over five years, to strengthen financing, create sector-specific incubators, expand internationalisation programmes, and launch new measures to attract talent and incentivize private investment. Together, these initiatives illustrate how Europe’s startup moment is not just a Brussels-driven agenda, but a shared commitment at both EU and national levels to make the continent a true home for innovation.

Whether you are a founder, investor, policymaker or ecosystem player, this briefing offers a clear snapshot of why the EU’s new push for startups and scaleups matters — and why now is the time to pay attention.