EU Inc: A simpler, cheaper, digital path for founders across Europe

In March, the Commission presented EU Inc., a new, unified set of corporate rules that will apply consistently across the EU. The aim is to make it easier for businesses to launch, operate, and expand within the single market. Its optional, fully digital procedures are designed to help innovative companies scale more easily, encourage them to remain in Europe, and even attract back those that previously looked elsewhere. EU Inc. forms part of a broader new 28th regime, offering companies a streamlined way to benefit from the single market.

At present, entrepreneurs and innovative firms must navigate a fragmented corporate landscape. With 27 national legal systems and over 60 different company forms, establishing a business can take weeks or months, slowing growth and increasing costs.

EU Inc. would introduce a single, harmonised corporate framework, eliminating the need to deal with multiple national regimes. This would unlock the full potential of the single market, boosting growth and competitiveness.

Key features of EU Inc.

• Faster registration and simpler procedures: Companies could be founded within 48 hours, for under €100, with no minimum share capital, and by submitting their information only once through an EU?level interface.
• Fully digital operations: All corporate procedures throughout a company’s lifecycle would be handled digitally.
• Easier restarts for founders: Simplified liquidation processes would allow entrepreneurs to test new ideas and start again more quickly and at lower cost.
• Improved conditions for investment: By removing in?person formalities, enabling digital financing procedures, and simplifying share transfers—including access to stock exchanges—EU Inc. would make it easier to attract investors.
• Full access to the single market: Companies could freely choose the EU country in which to incorporate.
• Strong safeguards against abuse: National employment and social laws would remain fully applicable. The safeguards of the country of registration would apply in full to EU Inc. companies.

More information 

More information is available on the European Commission's website.