The EU’s 28th Regime

What it is, why it matters, and what’s at stake

The Proposal

Despite having a Single Market, businesses operating across Europe still face 27 different legal systems, company rules, and administrative requirements.

The EU’s proposed 28th Regime would create an optional EU-wide legal framework—often referred to as “EU Inc.”—that companies could choose instead of navigating multiple national systems. The goal is simple: make it easier to start, scale, and operate a business across Europe.

Why It Matters

Helping European startups scale

Many European startups struggle to grow across borders because they face different legal and administrative requirements in every member state.

One Market should mean one market

Europe’s Single Market remains fragmented in practice. Businesses often have to navigate multiple legal frameworks when expanding into new countries.

Boosting competitiveness

European companies compete globally with firms operating in much larger and more unified markets such as the United States and China.

Reducing bureaucracy

A common framework can lower costs, simplify compliance, and allow entrepreneurs to focus on innovation rather than paperwork.

The Bigger Picture

Europe has no shortage of talent, ideas, or entrepreneurs.

What it often lacks is the ability to turn successful startups into global champions. Too many companies face legal complexity, regulatory fragmentation, and barriers when expanding across borders.

The 28th Regime is an attempt to address these problems by creating a voluntary, EU-wide framework that complements national systems rather than replacing them. If designed well, it could become one of the most significant reforms of the Single Market in decades.

Our Position

We support the creation of an ambitious and genuinely useful 28th Regime.

We support:

• An optional EU-wide corporate framework

• Simpler rules for cross-border business

• Reduced legal and administrative fragmentation

• Faster and cheaper business formation

• Greater access to European markets and capital

• A more competitive and innovative Europe

Europe should be the easiest place in the world to start and grow a business.

Current Progress

The European Commission published the official proposal in March 2026 and negotiations are currently underway between the European Parliament and Member States. EU leaders have identified the 28th Regime as a priority reform under the “One Europe, One Market” agenda.

Follow progress here:

The 28th Regime Progress Tracker

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