EU Inc.: what is the 28th regime?
EU entrepreneurs need simple rules for their companies to prosper. The “EU Inc.” company format should help businesses as they start life and grow.
Starting a successful business with the potential to grow across borders requires a generous and simple business environment. To boost EU competitiveness and prosperity, the EU has come up with a proposal for a single set of rules to make it easier to start and grow an EU-wide business. This set of rules would not replace the 27 EU countries’ existing national rules, but rather provide a simpler alternative alongside them. That is why the idea is also known as the 28th regime.
What is EU Inc.?
The EU Inc. concept is a fully digital business format that could be set up online within 48 hours for a maximum cost of €100, with no minimum capital requirements. Designed to facilitate the process of starting an innovative business, any EU firm would be able to opt for this limited liability business format and set it up in any EU country. At least one member of the board of directors would need to be resident in the EU.
Attracting investment and talent to the EU
To attract and motivate highly qualified and talented employees, under the EU Inc. format, entrepreneurs would be able to establish an employee stock option plan to share the company’s success with the people working for it. Investing in the company would be easier as it could establish various types of digitally registered shares. To allow entrepreneurs to get going again quickly , innovative startups would have access to fast and fully digital insolvency procedures.
When will EU Inc. become a reality?
Following the European Parliament’s report in January 2026 calling for a new framework to help innovative companies grow, the European Commission submitted its proposal in March. The European Parliament and the member states are now working on this proposal to find the best way to assist EU entrepreneurs. They hope to be able agree on the final form of the legislation by the end of 2026.
