In the mid-1980s, Europe faced increasing competition from the United States and Japan in advancements in technology and innovation. To address this challenge, François Mitterrand, the President of France, and Helmut Kohl, the Chancellor of Germany, played a crucial role in initiating the EUREKA Network aimed at enhancing European technological collaboration. Formally launched during a summit meeting held in Paris, the EUREKA initiative sought to foster partnerships among European countries in the fields of research and development. By promoting joint projects and sharing knowledge across borders, EUREKA aimed to improve the continent's overall competitiveness in technology-driven sectors.

The founding of the EUREKA Network represented a critical effort to stimulate technological innovation and research collaboration, moving beyond individual national efforts to a more unified approach in addressing technological challenges. It marked an important step towards European integration in the scientific and technological domains. The network facilitated various projects across diverse fields, from information technologies to biotechnology, aligning multiple nations in common goals while reducing duplication of efforts and enhancing efficiency in research and development. EUREKA became an essential platform that combined public and private sector participation, signaling a new era for collaboration in tech advancements across Europe.

Furthermore, EUREKA played a significant role in influencing European Union policies related to research and innovation, paving the way for future initiatives like Horizon Europe. The collaborative ethos established during the EUREKA founding laid the groundwork for ongoing partnerships and projects among European nations, ultimately contributing to the long-term vision of a more interconnected and competitive Europe in a global context.