For years, European founders have felt as though they were howling in the wilderness. They generated new businesses, jobs and economic dynamism yet received little attention from government ministers and EU officials who preferred big business and US multinationals. Now politicians are showing interest but must make concrete commitments.

The relationship between European tech entrepreneurs and policymakers has historically been strained. Founders have struggled to gain influence despite driving innovation, while officials maintained closer ties with established companies and overseas giants. This dynamic left the startup community feeling overlooked despite their contributions to economic growth.

Recent developments suggest a potential shift in this relationship. Politicians have begun acknowledging the importance of the startup ecosystem, but meaningful change requires more than rhetorical support. Concrete policies, funding mechanisms, and regulatory frameworks designed specifically for emerging companies will be necessary to transform this political interest into tangible support for European innovation.