2025 closed on a landmark note for the European Virtual Worlds ecosystem with the formal launch of the European Partnership for Virtual Worlds, a flagship initiative under the EU Strategy on Web 4.0 and Virtual Worlds.
The partnership agreement was signed on 11 December by the European Commission and the Virtual Worlds Association, which brings together 18 funding members. The signing ceremony was attended by Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, and Matthieu Worm, President of the Virtual Worlds Association.
This new partnership reflects Europe’s ambition to take a leading role in the rapidly evolving virtual worlds landscape, while ensuring that technological development remains aligned with European values, openness, and human-centric design.
Strengthening Europe’s Virtual Worlds ecosystem
By uniting the full value chain across diverse domains and technologies, the European Partnership for Virtual Worlds is positioned to:
- Strengthen Europe’s innovation ecosystem
- Enhance technological sovereignty and independence
- Support research, standardisation, skills development, and adoption
- Ensure virtual worlds evolve in line with EU values and principles
The initiative is backed by €200 million in Horizon Europe funding (2025–2027), matched by at least €200 million in private investment from association members.
At a global level, the timing is critical. The Virtual Worlds market is projected to grow from €27 billion in 2022 to over €800 billion by 2030, highlighting the strategic importance of Europe’s coordinated approach.
Martel’s role and engagement
MARTEL is proud to welcome this important milestone and looks forward to working closely with the Virtual Worlds Association to foster strong connections between data, artificial intelligence, and virtual worlds.
Martel is actively engaged in several Horizon Europe initiatives, including 6G-XR and OPENVERSE, a Coordination and Support Action (CSA) funded under the Horizon Europe programme. OPENVERSE supports the co-creation of sustainable, human-centric virtual worlds and contributes directly to Europe’s Web 4.0 ambitions.
By supporting collaboration across research, industry, and policy communities, OPENVERSE helps reinforce Europe’s position in global technological competition while advancing a shared vision for virtual worlds.
A milestone guided by European values
“This marks a true milestone for Europe. Virtual Worlds are evolving at an unprecedented pace, and it is crucial that their development is guided by EU values and firmly centred on innovation. At Martel, we are proud to collaborate with impressive innovators and partners who share these values and are helping to shape this future.”
Dr Monique Calisti, CEO, Martel Innovate
