Which EU Tech Rules Hold Startups Back? Real-World Lessons From Founders and CEOs

Which EU tech rules are holding back startups today? In this frank discussion, European startup CEOs and tech founders share their experiences navigating the complex EU regulatory landscape – from the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the NIS2 Directive to the EU AI Act and the Payment Services Directive (PSD3) – and how overlapping rules slow growth and even jeopardise startups’ survival.

The conversation covers real-world challenges: deciding where to launch a company, managing compliance across countries, handling cybersecurity incidents, and balancing regulatory obligations with product development. Founders discuss what works, what doesn’t, and how simplification of EU tech and digital rules could make Europe a more startup-friendly ecosystem.

Panellists:

• Elena Churilova, CEO, Cino
• Christopher Coomes, CEO, X1 Pipeline
• Masha Moisseyeva, Founder Ogni and MD DutchBasecamp
• Robin Wauters, COO and Board Member, European Startup Network

Moderator: Andy Bounds (EU Correspondent at the Financial Times)

This panel discussion took place at the ‘Simplify EU Tech Rules. Unlock Innovation.’ event on 3 December 2025 in Brussels, organised by the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA Europe).