Brussels, 16 June 2025
Today, Middle Tech Europe (MTE) announces its formation as a new coalition of leading mid-sized technology companies committed to promoting a fair and diverse internet landscape across Europe.
The coalition brings together companies including Automattic, Dailymotion, Discord, Patreon, Pinterest, Reddit, and Yubo – that represent the critical middle segment of Europe’s digital ecosystem, positioned between the very largest global players and smaller startups.
MTE advocates for proportionate, risk-based regulation that accounts for the diverse business models and technical capabilities of different-sized tech companies. The group believes that this approach will create a diverse and properly regulated online ecosystem protecting EU users while boosting the EU’s critical competitiveness agenda.
“Middle Tech companies are vital engines for internet diversity, competitiveness, and consumer choice in Europe,” said Kasia Colombani, spokesperson for Middle Tech Europe. “MTE provides a unified voice in crucial EU policy discussions, ensuring the perspectives of these innovative companies are fully heard and that policymakers and legislators understand the needs of the broader digital ecosystem.”
Key priorities for the coalition include the protection of the country-of-origin principle to preserve the integrity of the EU single market and prevent fragmentation. MTE will also focus on simplifying and streamlining overlapping requirements under existing EU regulations aiming to reduce regulatory burdens that disproportionately impact growing companies compared to their larger counterparts. Furthermore, the coalition seeks a coherent consumer protection and online safety rulebook that is targeted and proportionate. This would acknowledge and accommodate diverse business models and supply chains and will be particularly important as we look ahead to the development of the new proposals foreseen in the Commission’s work program.
The coalition members reflect the diversity of the internet itself, operating services ranging from video-sharing to forums, communication, media and hosting services. Alongside their diversity, these companies share a commitment to safeguarding users, transparency, and creating an internet ecosystem enriched by multiple voices.
For more information about Middle Tech Europe and its policy principles, visit middletecheurope.eu or contact contact@middletecheurope.eu.
About MTE Members
Automattic: Provider of WordPress.com, WooCommerce, Jetpack, Tumblr, and other web services supporting millions through hosting, e-commerce, and security solutions.
Dailymotion: A French video hosting platform, focused on providing first-rate videos that resonate with each individual in a more ethical and improved watching environment.
Discord: The communications platform that enables users to build meaningful connections around the joy of playing games through voice, video, and text features
Patreon: A media and community platform where creators give their biggest fans access to exclusive works and experiences.
Pinterest: A visual search and discovery platform where people find inspiration, curate ideas, and refine their intention to take actions on many different items and products.
Reddit: A network of communities where people can dive into their interests, hobbies and passions.
Yubo: A social discovery platform founded in France in 2015, primarily focused on helping Gen Z make new friends and hang out online.
Contact
Email: contact@middletecheurope.eu