On 18 March 2026, the European Commission presented the draft regulation on the so-called ‘EU Inc.’ – a largely standardised, Europe-wide legal form with limited liability for entrepreneurs. The stated aim is to remove bureaucratic hurdles and make it easier for start-ups to grow across borders.

• Registration – fully digital, within 48 hours, for under €100, without the need for a notary appointment, and with no minimum capital requirement
• One-stop shop – data entered once via a central EU interface linking national registers; tax and VAT identification numbers are automatically assigned
• Access to the single market – free choice of country of operation with strict equal treatment alongside national companies
• Employee share ownership – EU-wide share option schemes possible (EU-ESOP); standardised taxation as capital gains only upon the sale of shares
• Flexible capital and governance structure – different classes of shares with differentiated voting and property rights permitted; Supervisory body optional
• Protection of minority shareholders – national labour, social and co-determination laws remain unaffected; creditor protection through solvency tests and digital liquidation procedures

The proposal is now before the European Parliament and the Council. The aim is to reach a political agreement by the end of 2026 so that the first EU-Inc. companies can be established as early as 2028.

We are monitoring the legislative process and will keep you informed of further developments.