EPO and European Council presidents align on future of European innovation

Today, European Patent Office (EPO) President António Campinos met with the President of the European Council, António Costa, in Brussels to discuss how to further strengthen support for innovation in Europe.

This was their first meeting since President Costa took office in December 2024 and comes at a time when competitiveness and technological sovereignty are high on Europe’s policy agenda.

European Council President António Costa said: “Innovation is essential for progress and growth. We need true pan-European patent protection to vitalise innovation in the single market. Good to engage with EPO President António Campinos as we prepare for our Leaders’ meeting on competitiveness on 12 February.”

EPO President António Campinos said: “The technology intelligence drawn from our global databases shows that European innovation remains resilient despite economic and geopolitical uncertainty. But Europe needs a robust innovation ecosystem to ensure future prosperity and success. The EPO is committed to supporting EU efforts to act on the 2024 Draghi and Letta reports and strengthen Europe’s capacity to compete on the global stage.”

Overcoming market fragmentation

Discussions focused on Europe’s evolving innovation landscape, including its vibrant startup base, alongside persistent challenges such as market fragmentation and need for more sustained investment. Presidents Costa and Campinos explored how the EPO can further enhance its support for inventors, investors and policymakers to bridge these gaps.

Boosting competitiveness through the Unitary Patent

A key focus of the meeting was the pivotal role of the Unitary Patent system. By providing a single, unified patent covering a market of over 350 million people, the system has significantly lowered administrative and financial barriers, particularly for smaller entities. Two years since its launch, with more than 80 000 requests registered, the Unitary Patent is making Europe a more accessible and competitive hub for high-growth technology companies. Recognising this success, Presidents Costa and Campinos echoed the recommendations of the EU’s Competitiveness Compass, calling for all EU Member States to join the system to maximise its impact (18 countries have done so to date).

A shared vision for innovation

While the EPO is an independent international organisation, it works closely with EU institutions, including the European Commission and the European Innovation Council. The EU’s strategy to enhance SME competitiveness aligns with the EPO’s support for smaller entities, including targeted fee reductions, specialised services to help SMEs navigate the patent system, and tools like the Deep Tech Finder, which helps connect startups with potential investors. By sharing technical and legal expertise and patent data to track technology trends, the EPO provides the evidence-based insights essential to help shape Europe’s industrial future.