The European Union is taking steps to position itself as a leader in the development of virtual worlds, with the goal of empowering EU businesses and reducing reliance on non-EU technology. Lawmakers within the EU are pushing for the region to take the lead in this emerging field, as highlighted in a recent vote by the European Parliament’s Committee on internal market and consumer protection.
EU Rapporteur Pablo Arias Echeverría has emphasized the importance of Europe not just participating in, but leading the next digital revolution. He stresses the need to learn from past mistakes and build a foundation for digital innovation based on EU rules, principles, and values.
The committee’s report advocates for a strong regulatory framework to support the growth of virtual worlds, addressing the dominance of non-EU companies with significant resources in this sector. The aim is to create a more level playing field for European businesses to thrive.
This initiative aligns with the European Commission’s plans for the metaverse, which focus on establishing new standards and global governance for these evolving digital environments. The commission’s vision identifies virtual worlds as immersive, 3D environments powered by extended reality (XR) technologies, setting the stage for a digitally integrated and immersive future for Europe.