Major European technology companies — including Airbus, ASML, Ericsson, Mistral, Nokia, SAP and Siemens — have established a permanent forum called European Tech Creators to seek more direct influence over EU industrial and technology policy, Politico reports.
What the companies want
The initiative calls on Brussels to deliver:
- faster deregulation;
- completion of the single internal market;
- relaxed barriers to corporate mergers;
- more deliberate, targeted support for "European champion" companies facing competition from US and Chinese rivals.
Participants argue that the current regulatory and market environment makes it difficult for European firms to reach the scale needed to compete globally.
Views from the leaders
Christophe Fouquet, Chief Executive Officer of ASML, said the focus should be on drafting better rules up front rather than simplifying overly complex systems afterwards. Guillaume Faury, head of Airbus, stated that Europe’s current way of functioning does not meet the continent’s needs and added, “If this counts as lobbying, we are lobbying for a much more successful Europe.”
Börje Ekholm, the outgoing CEO of Ericsson, warned that Europe’s fragmented market prevents companies from achieving the scale required for global competitiveness. Arthur Mensch, co‑founder of the French firm Mistral, cautioned that on artificial intelligence it could be too late to act effectively within two years.
Meeting with von der Leyen and regulatory effects
Company leaders met with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, urging prompt action on these priorities. According to Politico, industry pressure has already produced some changes: proposals on AI regulation were simplified in places, with fewer obligations and postponed deadlines.
Criticism over close ties
The close relationship between major firms and EU decision‑makers has drawn criticism. Von der Leyen’s second mandate has pursued a deregulatory, industry‑friendly line, and the appointment of Jim Hagemann Snabe, Chairman of Siemens, as a Commission adviser prompted concern among opponents who argue it brings industry and policymakers too close.
Why this matters
The initiative highlights the tension between EU regulatory objectives and industry demands for competitiveness. The companies’ push for quicker deregulation and more targeted support signals that, in sectors like artificial intelligence, European firms believe fast political responses are necessary to avoid falling behind globally.
