The road to EU Inc, milestone by milestone
EU Inc did not appear overnight. The Letta and Draghi reports in 2024 were followed by the founder petition and the formal Commission proposal in March 2026. Here is where things stand, with the current step marked.
Enrico Letta's single-market report, "Much more than a market", argues that legal fragmentation holds European companies back and floats a common European legal status.
Mario Draghi's report on European competitiveness recommends a 28th regime so innovative companies can scale across the EU without re-incorporating in each country.
Andreas Klinger and a coalition of founders and investors launch the EU Inc petition; it passes 13,000 signatures within months and grows into a campaign with more than 26,000 founders, investors and operators by October 2026.
The European Commission Competitiveness Compass officially announces it will create a 28th regime of simplified, EU-wide corporate rules.
The Commission strategy "Choose Europe to Start and Scale" commits to bringing the 28th regime proposal forward.
A call for evidence and public consultation on the 28th regime draws more than 870 responses from founders, investors, unions and legal experts.
The European Parliament adopts its 28th-regime recommendations by 492 votes to 144, led by rapporteur René Repasi, ahead of the Commission proposal.
On 18 March 2026 the Commission publishes the draft regulation (COM(2026) 321), presented by Commissioner Michael McGrath, the formal start of the legislation.
This Presidency draft proposed 27 months between entry into force and application. It was an intermediate draft before the Council agreed its October mandate.
The founder campaign calls for a central registry and standardised stock options to survive the negotiations. These are stakeholder demands.
Negotiator Pascal Canfin said the committee vote would not take place that week, citing unresolved employee-participation questions.
The Council adopted its mandate for talks with Parliament. It proposes a 21-month general application period and revised EU-ESO tax conditions. It is not the final regulation.
The official Parliament file still shows Awaiting committee decision. Parliament needs its position before negotiations with the Council can begin.
The institutions aim for agreement by the end of 2026. This is a political target, not an agreed registration opening.
The final text must establish when each provision applies. The Council proposes a 21-month general period after entry into force, but no registration date is confirmed.
What happens next
The Council agreed its negotiating position on 23 October. The Parliament procedure file still awaits a committee decision at our 24 October check. Once Parliament has its position, the institutions can negotiate a final text.
Political agreement would still need formal adoption and publication. Article 109 of the Council mandate proposes general application on the last day of the 21st month after entry into force. It also proposes that Articles 24 and 30-32 should not apply earlier than 31 July 2028. That separate limit is not a confirmed registration-opening date.
The March Commission proposal used 12 months; the 7 September Presidency draft used 27. These are different versions, not cumulative waiting periods. The final timetable is still under negotiation.
The 11 October analysis preserves the earlier snapshot. Use the tracker for the current stage and news page for the changes behind it.
What founders should do now
Base a current business plan on a company form available today. An Estonian OÜ is one option once identification and registration requirements are met. A later switch to EU Inc would depend on the final law. Compare EU Inc and an Estonian OÜ, or read how to prepare an EU Inc company.
Get notified the day EU Inc opens
Get a free EU company plan now, and we will track every milestone for you and flag the moment EU Inc registration goes live.
Get your free planFrequently asked questions
When will EU Inc launch?
No confirmed launch date. The Council mandate proposes general application at the end of the 21st month after entry into force. The Commission proposed 12 months. The final timetable is not agreed.
When was EU Inc proposed?
The Commission published COM(2026) 321 on 18 March 2026. It remains a proposal under negotiation.
Is the 2027-2028 estimate still reliable?
It should not be used as a fixed planning assumption. The Council mandate proposes general application at the end of the 21st month after entry into force, with separate timing for some digital provisions. The final text and entry-into-force date are unknown.
What is the next EU Inc milestone?
A decision by the lead JURI committee and a Parliament negotiating position. The Council agreed its mandate on 23 October 2026. The institutions must then negotiate and formally adopt a final text.