The 4th European Innovation Council Summit took place on April 2-3 in Brussels, serving as the annual meeting point for the European innovation ecosystem. The event kicked off with a day exclusively dedicated to EIC beneficiaries, offering hands-on workshops, matchmaking sessions, and networking opportunities. On the second day, the summit opened its doors to a broader audience, welcoming all those interested in Europe’s innovation ecosystem.
The agenda was rich and diverse, featuring interactive workshops tackling key issues such as Europe’s innovation gaps. Throughout the day, prominent figures took the stage to share insights and spark discussion:
Mr. Marc Lemaître, Director-General for Research and Innovation (RTD), and Ms. Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, kicked off as the opening speakers, underscoring how the EIC has been contributing to Europe’s competitiveness, resilience, and green transition. Just recently, over €1 billion has been committed to climate technologies and quantum chip development—two areas critical to Europe’s strategic autonomy. The EIC Impact Report, launched on April 3, highlights these achievements and outlines the path forward. The goal is to make Europe the most desired destination for innovation: “Together, we can build a future where Europe leads—not follows—in global innovation”
Why is Europe not the global tech leader?
During the discussion on Europe’s position in the global tech landscape, Mr. Enrico Letta, Dean, IE University and former Prime Minister of Italy, emphasized that the root cause lies in Europe’s fragmentation. Each of the 27 Member States has its own set of regulations and national interests, often prioritizing protectionism over collaboration. As Letta pointed out, “There are two types of countries in Europe—small countries, and those that haven’t yet realized they are small.” The true strength of Europe, Letta argues, lies in its unity. Europe needs to embrace a truly integrated Single Market, incorporating the Fifth Freedom– the free movement of knowledge and skills– in order to unlock its full potential in the field of innovation. This expansion of the Single Market is essential for fostering innovation, securing funding, and attracting and retaining talent. Carlos Moedas, Mayor of Lisbon, reinforced Letta’s concerns, and called for Europe to actively celebrate its achievements and remind the world of its past successes in order to position itself as a global leader once more. They also discussed overcoming Europe’s bureaucratic challenges and reforming its decision-making processes to ensure greater flexibility and speed in tackling future challenges through the concept of a “28th regime”.
What should an expanded EIC look like?
To truly bridge the innovation gap with global leaders like the United States, the European Innovation Council (EIC) must be more ambitious, better funded, and more integrated. The EIC has the potential to become Europe’s engine for transformative technologies. The EIC must not only fund breakthrough ideas but also invest in the people who bring them to life. Cities, too, play a central role – not merely as end users of innovation, but also as platforms for experimentation, hubs of talent, and providers of the infrastructure that startups need to scale. An expanded EIC should, therefore, actively engage with cities and regions to create innovation-friendly environments that are accessible, connected and attractive to entrepreneurs and investors alike.
European prize for women innovators
The event was also an occasion to honour remarkable women through three award categories: EIT women leadership award, Rising Innovators and Women innovators. 
Testimonials on EIC Impact- Space Portfolio
A session was dedicated to “Testimonials on EIC Impact”, where Ms. Stella Tkatchova, EIC Programme Manager for Space Systems & Technologies, showcasted pioneering projects in the space portfolio, such as Ice2Thrust.Space, the E.T.PACK Initiative and rePowerSiC,a project which aims to revolutionize Wireless Power Transfer for Deep Space Missions and which Moverim is proud to be part of!
In conclusion, as a key driver of Europe’s innovation landscape for over 40 years, the European Innovation Council continues to foster collaboration and technological advancement, providing a platform for addressing the challenges of the future.
For more information about the session or to watch the event recording, click here.