Executive Vice-President Virkkunen will take part in the opening ceremony of the event, alongside German Vice-Chancellor and Federal Minister of Finance Lars Klingbeil, Federal Research Minister Dorothee Bär and Hendrik Wüst, Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia. She will also have the opportunity to present EU actions in the sector, including financial support for video game professionals via the Creative Europe and InvestEU programmes, and the new AgoraEU proposal, as well as the EU's commitment to consumer and minor protection. Moreover, the Executive Vice-President will meet industry representatives and discuss EU support to digital infrastructures that enable innovation in the sector.
Executive-Vice President Virkkunen said:
“Europe is at the forefront of the gaming sector. Some internationally popular video games were made in Europe, and the European industry's innovative potential continues to infuse the broader economy with ever-newer technological applications. It's an honour to join Gamescom in Cologne to celebrate our gaming industry.”
Gamescom takes place annually in Cologne. It celebrates the innovative and creative value of video games, showcasing international and European talents and outlining the opportunities the sector brings to Europe's competitiveness and the digital economy. The European Commission has been hosting European companies on a dedicated Creative Europe MEDIA stand since 2023.