EU Digital Simplification, Competition and Challenger Companies

As the European Union continues to shape its digital economy through landmark initiatives like the Digital Markets Act (DMA), Digital Services Act (DSA), and the upcoming Digital Fairness Act (DFA), the question of regulatory simplification has become more urgent—particularly for Europe’s challenger companies.

To create space for frank, solutions-oriented exchange, SME Connect is convening a small, high-level closed-door roundtable that will bring together EU policymakers, experts from academia, and business representatives for an open discussion on how digital simplification can enable functional competition, sustainable growth, and resilience - especially in the face of rising compliance pressures and economic uncertainty.

While large-scale platforms often have the capacity to navigate complex regulation, challenger companies are frequently held back by fragmented rules and disproportionate obligations. Yet these companies play a critical role in ensuring diversity, choice, and digital autonomy within the European ecosystem - especially for SMEs relying on fair and accessible platforms to grow.

For challenger companies, simplification is not simply a technical fix - it is a strategic enabler. The event will explore how the Omnibus package and wider digital legislation can be shaped to unlock the full potential of Europe’s platform economy, through clarity, coherence and proportionate implementation.