EU Launches 48-Hour Business Setup for Under €100

Starting a business in Europe just got dramatically easier. The European Commission unveiled new rules that let anyone launch a company in any EU country in under 48 hours, fully online, for less than €100.

The new framework, called "EU Inc." or "the 28th Regime," launched Wednesday as an optional system designed to cut through the red tape that has long frustrated European entrepreneurs. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says it will make starting and growing a business "drastically easier" across all 27 member states.

Right now, founders face more than 60 different national company forms when trying to launch across Europe. The complexity has pushed many promising startups to base their operations outside the EU entirely, taking jobs and innovation with them.

The current barriers are so severe that the International Monetary Fund estimates they work like a 110% tariff on services. That's made Europe far less competitive compared to business-friendly regions like the United States and China.

The Bright Side

The new system doesn't force countries to abandon their existing laws on taxation, bankruptcy, or employment. Instead, it offers a parallel option that coexists with national frameworks, giving entrepreneurs real choice for the first time.

Any company can opt into the new regime, whether they're just starting out or already operating in Europe. The fully digital process eliminates the paperwork marathons and lengthy waiting periods that have discouraged countless would-be founders.

This isn't Europe's first attempt at simplifying business creation. A 2004 law called "Societas Europaea" tried something similar but proved too complex, attracting mainly large corporations instead of the innovative startups it aimed to help.

Some experts believe the current proposal could be even more effective if it focused specifically on young, innovative companies with high growth potential. Bruegel senior fellow Reinhilde Veugelers suggests targeting startups with "bright new ideas" that can truly boost Europe's competitiveness.

The European Parliament and Council will now review the proposal, with the Commission hoping for approval by the end of 2026. The initiative fits into a broader vision called "one Europe, one market," targeting full implementation by 2028.

For entrepreneurs who've dreamed of building the next big thing but felt overwhelmed by European bureaucracy, help is finally on the way.