The European Commission unveiled its proposal for a standardized, single regulatory framework for businesses across the EU on Wednesday. Referred to as “EU Inc”., the plan is intended to simplify the processes of founding, operating and expanding companies throughout the EU, the Commission told Brussels officials.
Under the proposal, companies could be established within 48 hours and for a fee of less than €100, with no minimum capital requirement. The aim is to boost the EU’s competitiveness and reduce the fragmentation of the single market. Rather than navigating 27 different national legal systems and more than 60 types of company structures, entrepreneurs would be able to opt for a harmonised, primarily digital European corporate framework.
The draft also introduces fully digital corporate procedures and streamlined insolvency processes, allowing founders to restart more quickly if necessary. The Commission highlighted that the proposal would be especially beneficial for innovative businesses that have previously had to contend with multiple legal regimes.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Europe has the potential to become “the best place for innovators” adding: “With EU Inc. we make it dramatically easier to create and grow a business across Europe”. She urged the European Parliament and the Council to reach an agreement on the proposal by the end of 2026 in order to strengthen the EU’s competitiveness.