Europe is about to get a single, digital, 48-hour company formation system and it could change the game for startups and investors alike.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 26, 2026, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined a bold vision for a more unified, agile, and globally competitive Europe: “EU Inc.”. This new corporate framework aims to remove national barriers, letting companies operate seamlessly across all 27 member states under one uniform set of rules.
What the “EU Inc.” will do
- 48-hour digital incorporation: Start a company online anywhere in the EU, fast.
- Uniform company rules: Same capital, governance, and reporting standards across borders.
- Cross-border financing access: Investors can engage without navigating 27 regulatory systems.
- Pan-European scalability: Companies can grow as easily as in the U.S. or China.
The old problem
Europe’s single market covers 450 million people on paper, but expansion often hits national roadblocks. Each country has different rules, reporting obligations, and bureaucracy, slowing growth for tech-driven startups and scale-ups.
Why it matters now
EU Inc. addresses Europe’s structural competitive disadvantage: abundant talent, capital, and innovation have historically struggled to scale efficiently. By linking EU Inc. with the Savings and Investment Union, von der Leyen aims to create deeper, liquid capital markets, making equity cheaper and faster to access.
Why this matters
Europe becomes a more attractive destination for international investors
Startups can launch and scale across borders without friction
Scale-ups gain predictable operational and legal frameworks
Capital flows more efficiently, boosting tech-driven innovation
Signals a shift from fragmented national markets to a truly European economic area
Cautious optimism
The success of EU Inc. will depend on how smoothly it integrates with existing national systems. If it delivers on its promise, reducing bureaucracy while offering legal clarity, it could redefine Europe as a powerhouse for ambitious founders.
Takeaway
For founders, investors, and growth builders: Europe is signaling that it wants to play in the big leagues.
Source: European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen keynote, WEF Davos, 20 January 2026
