European Partnership for Virtual Worlds launched
The European Partnership for Virtual Worlds was launched on 10 December 2025 to bring together industry, academia, research organisations and end-users to support research and innovation in this area.
Virtual worlds are persistent, immersive environments based on 3D and extended reality (XR) technologies, that allow people to interact, work, and create in new ways. Built on 3D, XR and advanced simulation technologies, they are expected to transform numerous sectors in Europe. For instance, they can provide faster and more accurate diagnosis in healthcare, deliver cost-effective training and education, or allow engineers and manufacturers to test prototypes of production lines and complex architectural structures before building them. Virtual worlds also open new opportunities in cultural engagement, from immersive museum experiences to interactive heritage preservation.
The European Partnership on Virtual Worlds aims to ensure the EU fully benefits from the potential of virtual worlds. It will promote excellence in research, innovation, standardisation and skills development, while encouraging the deployment and adoption of human-centric virtual worlds. Under the partnership, the European Commission plans to allocate up to €200 million within the current Multiannual Financial Framework to research and innovation activities and Virtual Worlds Association members will match this investment with at least €200 million between 2025 and 2030, ensuring strong public-private collaboration to scale virtual worlds across sectors.