Virtual Worlds Partnership holds its first official meeting

The Virtual Worlds Partnership held its first official meeting on 16 June 2026, bringing members together to shape Europe's Virtual Worlds and Web 4.0 agenda.

The first official meeting of the Virtual Worlds Partnership took place on 16 June, bringing together the European Commission, the Virtual Worlds Association and stakeholders from across Europe's virtual worlds ecosystem.

The meeting provided members with a space to discuss the Partnership's role in implementing the EU Strategy on Web 4.0 and Virtual Worlds and the next steps needed to strengthen Europe's position in this fast-developing technological and industrial field.

The first meeting of the Virtual Worlds Partnership was held at an important moment for Europe's sovereignty and competitiveness. The European Commission's recent Tech Sovereignty package aims to strengthen Europe's digital autonomy, reduce strategic dependencies and reinforce resilience in key technologies. The package focuses on semiconductors, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and open source, while supporting innovation, skills, start-ups and digital public infrastructure.

These priorities are directly relevant to virtual worlds. The availability of advanced chips and XR components, trusted cloud and data infrastructure, AI-enabled applications, open and interoperable technologies, and secure connectivity will all shape Europe's ability to develop and deploy human-centric virtual worlds. They will also influence whether Europe can build a competitive and resilient ecosystem anchored in European values, security and public interest.

Key topics on the agenda

The meeting opened with a welcome by Yvo Volman, Director for Data at DG CONNECT, European Commission. Participants then received updates on the Partnership's latest developments from Anne Bajart, Deputy Head of Unit at DG CONNECT, and Matthieu Worm, President of the Virtual Worlds Association.

Participants then discussed the European Commission's strategy on virtual worlds and the role of the Partnership in supporting its implementation. They also took stock of the Partnership's achievements so far, including the setting-up of working groups and the preparation of position papers on Virtual Worlds and Defence, and on the XR Chips and Components Pilot Line. Participants were also informed about past and upcoming Horizon Europe calls linked to the Partnership.

Alejandra del Valle, Secretary General of the Virtual Worlds Association, presented upcoming activities of the Association and outlined how members can contribute to the Partnership's priorities in the coming months.

The second part of the meeting included an interactive breakout session with representatives of the European Commission, followed by a plenary debrief. Participants then took part in an open floor for questions, giving members the opportunity to share input and discuss the Partnership's priorities, working methods and future activities.

The meeting closed with a discussion on the next steps, and how to continue cooperation between the Commission, the Virtual Worlds Association and members.

The Virtual Worlds Partnership gains momentum

Six months after the signature of the Partnership Memorandum of Understanding in Brussels, the Virtual Worlds Partnership has already made significant progress. It started with 18 founding members and has since grown through the Virtual Worlds Association to more than 80 members, covering a variety of sectors, regions and profiles, including industry, academia and end-users.

The Partnership has also been visible in several events, helping to highlight Europe's vibrant and dynamic virtual worlds ecosystem. Its work builds on the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda and supports cooperation across the virtual worlds value chain, from enabling technologies to applications, deployment and uptake.

The first official meeting confirms the Partnership's role as a forum for joint work on Europe's virtual worlds agenda. Its success will depend not only on technological advances, but also on the ability of public and private actors to shape virtual worlds in ways that reflect shared values, public interest and Europe's long-term competitiveness.

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