"With today’s expansion, ESN just became the largest startup association in Europe. We are the most representative startup network and uniquely represent the European Startup ecosystems." Nicolas Brien, President ESN

EU Commissioner Mariya Gabriel joined the General Assembly for an interactive exchange of ideas about how to make Europe the startup continent. The discussion was open with both sides challenging each other in a constructive way.

The following concrete actions have been agreed:

• ESN will monitor the pro-startup commitments made by national governments as part of the EUrecovery plan, and will report the best practices to Commissioner Gabriel;
• ESN will propose a pan-European framework to build more cohesion between ecosystems builders;
• ESN will actively promote the EU initiatives supporting female founders.

"Europe needs you, Europe needs startups. Europe has the talents to grow the startup ecosystem. And you are proof that Europe has the talent that is needed to grow companies with high impact solutions. Now, we need to work together and to continue to invest in Europe's innovation potential." Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth.

Read the full press release here