“This is one of the biggest gatherings of its kind in the world. And I have to say, I’m more than a little proud that it all started in my island home of Malta,” she stated.

“Dynamic, creative, innovative, growing and shaping.”

Metsola used the stage to push for a Europe that embraces the future, but without losing its trademark balance of ambition and responsibility.

She said what makes Europe unique is the way it manages to grow while still building trust, offering predictability and ensuring no one is left behind.

“It’s what gives investors predictability, what builds trust with users, and what allows creativity to flourish without leaving anyone behind,” said President Metsola.

Although, she didn’t shy away from calling out the EU’s messy regulatory maze, pointing out that different licensing systems and advertising rules are holding businesses back.

“That has to change,” she underlined.

A bold pitch: one Europe, one framework

Metsola floated the idea of an optional “28th regime”, a single EU framework to make cross-border scaling easier for companies ready to go big.

“We need to lead, to innovate, to give our businesses the freedom and the tools to compete globally,” she stated.

And she summed up her message with the most quotable line of the day:

“Innovation, not over-regulation. Implementation, not unnecessary bureaucracy. Delivery, not red tape.”

Maltese talent? Front row and centre.

While touring the summit, Metsola also met Maltese workers and exhibitors who helped bring the whole event to life, saying it proves Malta can export “top-level skills and talent”.

With that, she declared the SiGMA Summit officially open, and Malta got another proud shoutout on an international stage.

If today proved anything, it’s that Malta may be small, but its footprint on the global tech and gaming world is anything but. With Metsola calling for less red tape, more innovation, and a Europe that actually keeps up with its own talent, the tone has been set.

Rome may be hosting, but Malta is still the heartbeat.

Now it’s over to the innovators, the builders, the deal-makers, and the dreamers. SiGMA is open, and the future is officially in session.

 

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