EU lawmakers push for metaverse plan to strengthen businesses in the region
The European Union is making significant strides in its efforts to take the lead in the development of virtual worlds, with the goal of strengthening EU businesses and reducing dependence on non-EU technological resources. Lawmakers within the EU are pushing for the region to pioneer the advancement of virtual worlds, a move that has garnered support from the European Parliament’s Committee on internal market and consumer protection. This demonstrates a strategic shift in Europe’s digital future, as it embraces the metaverse as a crucial element.
The urgency and ambition of this strategy were encapsulated in a statement by EU Rapporteur Pablo Arias Echeverría. He emphasized the importance of Europe not just participating in, but leading the next digital revolution. Echeverría’s focus on avoiding past mistakes and establishing a foundation based on EU digital rules, principles, and values highlights the desire for a Europe-centric digital evolution.
In response to the dominance of non-EU companies in the metaverse landscape, the committee’s report calls for a robust regulatory framework to support the development of virtual worlds. It aims to address the imbalance in the digital playing field and create a more equitable environment for European businesses. This aligns with the European Commission’s plans for the metaverse, which emphasized the need for new standards and global governance in overseeing these emerging digital spaces.
The commission’s strategy defines virtual worlds as “persistent, immersive environments based on 3D and extended reality (XR) technologies.” This forward-thinking approach envisions a digitally integrated and immersive European future. With the adoption of this report by the committee, the European Union is taking significant steps towards becoming a leader in the development of virtual worlds.
