What is EU Inc.? Establishing a Single Company in the European Union

Establishing and growing a company in the European Union is now much easier. The European Commission officially announced a new harmonized company regime called EU Inc. on March 18, 2026. This is a revolutionary step known as the “28th regime” for entrepreneurs and scalable companies. It is now possible to establish a company within 48 hours under a single EU-wide legal framework instead of 27 different national company laws!

What is EU Inc. and Why is it Important?

EU Inc. is an optional, digital-first company law framework presented by the European Commission. It does not replace national company forms (Ltd, GmbH, SARL, etc.) but is offered as an alternative alongside them. Entrepreneurs will be able to establish and manage companies under a single legal structure across the EU. This new regime covers the entire lifecycle of the company: registration, governance, share transfer, financing, and liquidation.

As emphasized in the official statement by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen: “Every entrepreneur will be able to establish a company online in 48 hours from anywhere in the European Union. This is just the beginning. Our goal: Single Europe – Single Market – by 2028.” This proposal is based on Mario Draghi’s 2024 competitiveness report and the 2025 Competitiveness Compass. The aim: to make Europe an alternative to Delaware and ensure startups remain within the EU.

Historical Background: Previous Efforts

EU Inc. is not a new idea; it has been discussed in Europe for many years. The Societas Europaea (SE) regime, adopted in 2001, was the first major step. SE offered a single company form across the EU, but the minimum capital requirement of €120,000, complex governance rules, and the obligation to comply with national laws made it less preferred. Only large companies used it.

In 2008, the proposal for Societas Privata Europaea (SPE) came. This model, focusing on smaller companies, reduced the minimum capital requirement to €1 and was more flexible. However, no agreement could be reached among member states, and it was withdrawn in 2014. The same year, the Societas Unius Personae (SUP) proposal was presented; it focused on single-person companies but was shelved again due to national resistance.

These failures weakened the EU’s competitiveness. In 2024, Mario Draghi’s “The Future of European Competitiveness” report raised alarms: “Establishing a company in Europe is 2-3 times more expensive and slower than in the US.” The Letta report also emphasized the completion of the single market. The result: with the 2025 Competitiveness Compass and European Council decisions, the “28th regime” officially took shape. On March 18, 2026, it materialized with the EU Inc. proposal. This time, past mistakes are being corrected with digitization and the “once-only” principle.

What Will Entrepreneurs Gain with EU Inc.?

• Fast and Cheap Establishment: Complete online company registration within 48 hours at a cost of less than €100. No minimum capital.
• Single Rule Set: Harmonized rules for the entire company lifecycle (registration, share transfer, financing, liquidation). Founders will protect the company with different classes of shares (different voting rights).
• Attracting Investment and Talent: Share option plans (stock options) operating across the EU. Share transfers are digital and without intermediaries. Member states can allow EU Inc. companies to be listed on the stock exchange.
• Simplified Bankruptcy and Restart: Fast digital liquidation procedures for innovative startups. Failure is seen as part of the “journey”.
• Full Access to the Single Market: Register in a chosen member country and operate in 27 countries. National trade registers are automatically linked; tax and VAT numbers can be obtained “once-only”.

How Does EU Inc. Work?

Founders enter information through a single EU interface (“once-only” principle). National registers are automatically linked. The entire process is digital: shareholder meetings, board decisions, share transactions online. Documents and communication are managed with the European Business Wallet. Tax and social security data are shared automatically.

Employee rights and national social security rules are fully protected. EU Inc. companies are subject to the co-determination rules of the member country in which they are registered. They cannot be used to circumvent employee rights. National employment, wage, health, and safety rules remain fully applicable.

EU Inc. vs. Delaware: Why is it Advantageous for Global Entrepreneurs?

Delaware Inc. has long been a favorite for startups in the US. With low taxes, flexible rules, and judicial expertise, millions of companies are registered there. EU Inc. is Europe’s answer: direct access to 450 million consumers, the advantages of a single market, and digital speed. While there are no interstate compliance issues in Delaware, there is now a single regime instead of 27 countries in the EU. For international investors, EU Inc. companies will be the easiest way to stay in Europe and scale globally. The choice of “Europe instead of Delaware” is becoming realistic.

Official Announcement and Resources

The statement by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen:

“With EU Inc., every entrepreneur will be able to establish a company in 48 hours. This will make Europe the best place for innovators. Single Europe, single market – by 2028.”

Official Resources :

• European Commission Press Release – EU Inc. Proposal (March 18, 2026)
• Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (Q&A)
• President von der Leyen’s Official Statement
• Official EU Inc. Page

What Does EU Inc. Mean for International Entrepreneurs and Companies?

EU Inc. is a huge opportunity for entrepreneurs and scalable companies worldwide. Those looking to enter the EU market from the US, Asia, or other regions will now have access to 27 countries with a single digital company. As Corpenza, we offer legal consultancy, company establishment, digital compliance, and share option planning services during the transition to EU Inc. Scaling globally with a single company in Europe instead of Delaware is now possible.

Conclusion: Be Ready for the Future with EU Inc.

This move by the European Commission will make the EU the most attractive region for entrepreneurship in the world. The proposal will be discussed in the European Parliament and Council; approval is targeted by the end of 2026, with full implementation aimed for 2027-2028. EU Inc. is not just company law; it is an integrated package with Savings and Investments Union, digital wallet, and innovative startup definitions.

© 2026 Corpenza – All rights reserved. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.