Regarding the topic of compliance, she stressed that businesses shouldn’t spend most of their time managing regulations. While regulation is important, it needs to be smartly targeted at those who break the rules rather than those who follow them. She added that there is broad agreement on this approach.
Roberta Metsola opening SiGMA Central Europe in Rome
President of the European Parliament, the Hon. Roberta Metsola, was in Rome today to officially open SiGMA’s inaugural Central Europe event.
Before her speech, Metsola had meetings with Maltese representatives, such as the Maltese ambassador to Rome, H.E. Daniel Azzopardi, the CEO of GamingMalta, Ivan Filetti, and the CEO of Elevate AI, Keith Zammit.
Once onstage, she sent a welcome message, reminding the audience:
“Europe is your home – a place of the future, determined to make it easier, safer, and faster to operate, to startup, and to scale up.”
She described the industry as “the building blocks of next-generation Europe, and one of the biggest gatherings of its kind in the world.”
Reflecting on her roots and connection to Malta, Metsola said she was proud that SiGMA had started in her island home. Smiling as she remembered her university days with SiGMA’s Founder Eman Pulis, she said:
“It’s fantastic to see how your idea has grown from a pitch to a global platform. We are so proud of you, and our country has much to be proud of. But, ultimately, above all – of its people, many of whom are here today.”
Focusing on Europe’s tech and gaming industry, she highlighted the bigger picture:
“Beyond numbers or growth charts, what we see is proof that our European way works, that we can be pro-business, forward-looking, open to innovation and new tech whilst still doing things responsibly and protecting the most vulnerable.”
Metsola spoke about the issue of balancing growth and responsibility. She pointed out that Europe stands for the maintenance of that balance, which, in turn, assures the investors, establishes trust among the users, and opens avenues for creative people to work without anybody being left behind.
On regulation, Metsola warned:
“If we want Europe to remain competitive, we have to be honest about what is still holding us back. Regulation in Europe is essential, but remains too fragmented.”
She was very frank with her criticism saying: “That has to change”. She saw the necessity of a single approach to the licensing systems, operating regimes, and advertising rules in order to lead the European industry to the situation where it can grow.
She continued on potential solutions:
“Ideas like the 28th regime – a single optional European framework for businesses – are worth exploring. It would make it easier for operators to expand while still respecting national choices – the leap we need collectively as a continent, but also as a global international giant.”
Metsola conveyed the message she often hears from entrepreneurs: Europe must move faster, making it easier for businesses to invest, grow, and take risks. They want a Europe that supports them, not one that gets in their way.
But she warned that this won’t happen if Europe clings to the past. “We cannot run on nostalgia,” she said. “We can’t rely on old ways and expect new results.”
To truly lead and innovate, businesses need the tools and freedom to compete globally, to understand emerging trends, and to show how Europe can set the pace in technology and innovation.
Commenting on the “European way,” she said:
“I want the European way to mean something clear: innovation, not over-regulation; implementation, not unnecessary bureaucracy and delivery, not red tape. Targeted regulation that gives predictability.”
Metsola elaborated on Europe’s future role, saying:
“This is a moment Europe cannot afford to miss. We can either shape this new era of tech or watch others do it for us. We were not designed to follow.”
She put an emphasis on the great prospects of the digital economy, noting that they could make platforms safer, more transparent, and fairer, and that Europe should lead this transformation.
She also spoke about funding and talent, saying:
“Europe currently has more AI and tech professionals per capita than the US, and almost three times as many as China. This is why the EU plans to mobilize 200 billion Euro for AI and digital industries. The Savings and Investment Union will also help channel investment to startups and small businesses looking to work across borders.”
Metsola closed by encouraging innovators, telling them to keep pushing forward. She said their work shows that Europe’s strength comes from shaping the future, not looking back, and assured them that they have full support.
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Hon. Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, and Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Antonio Tajani, will headline SiGMA...
