The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsolaembarked on a significant visit to San Francisco from 26-28 May 2026engaging with key players in the technology sector and the European innovation ecosystem. This visit underscored the growing importance of transatlantic cooperation in technologytradeand innovation.
During her stay, President Metsola met with the San Francisco Mayorsenior executives from leading U.S. tech companiesand visited prominent innovation campuses. She also held an insightful exchange with Stanford University students, focusing on the future of EU-U.S. collaboration in critical areas such as artificial intelligencedefenseand emerging technologies.
High-Level Discussions and Roundtables
The EU Office in San Francisco hosted President Metsola for a high-level private roundtable with senior European business leaders. This was followed by a Brussels to the Bay town hall eventwhich brought together approximately 100 European foundersentrepreneursinvestorsand professionals working within the U.S. technology ecosystem.
President Metsola engaged directly with participants, listening to their experiences and perspectives on building and scaling companies across the Atlantic. Many highlighted access to finance and market fragmentation as the main challenges to growing companies in Europe. However, they were encouraged by the awareness and interest in key European initiatives such as the 28th Regime and EU.Incwhich aim to streamline rules and strengthen growth opportunities.
The Brussels to the Bay Townhall: A Forum for Innovation
The Brussels to the Bay Townhall provided a platform for an open exchange between President Metsola and members of the European technology community based in Silicon valley. The event was opened by Gerard de GraafHead of the EU Office in San Francisco and Senior EU Envoy for Digital to the United States.
Participants highlighted Europe’s strengthsincluding its world-class talentstrong research baseindustrial capabilitiesdemocratic stabilityand the scale of the Single Market. These assets support innovation and long-term competitiveness. However, discussions also pointed to persistent challenges related to mobilizing capitalsupporting scale-upsstrengthening productivityand enabling innovative companies to grow more rapidly within Europe.
Enhancing European Competitiveness
President Metsola outlined ongoing efforts by the European Union to enhance Europe’s competitivenessreduce unnecessary administrative burdensand create a more supportive environment for innovationentrepreneurshipand investment. The exchange also explored the importance of maintaining strong transatlantic ties in a period marked by rapid technological changegeopolitical uncertaintyand increasing global competition.
A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the importance of EU-U.S. cooperation in strategic areas such as artificial intelligencedefenseemerging technologiesand the protection of democratic values. Participants emphasized that close collaboration between Europe and the United States remains essential to addressing shared challenges and ensuring continued technological leadership.
The event was part of the Brussels to the Bay flagship series, which connects European policymakers with foundersinvestorsresearchersand professionals shaping the future of technology in San Francisco and Silicon Valley.
