28th Regime Update – Parliament adopted its 28th regime recommendations (2026-01-26)

EU 28th Regime Update: Parliament backs harmonised regime and EU‑Inc launched at Davos

This week saw key momentum in the EU’s proposed 28th regime for innovative companies. On 20 January 2026, the European Parliament adopted a comprehensive set of recommendations supporting a unified structure that would allow startups and scale‑ups to incorporate digitally within 48 hours and operate seamlessly across all Member States. These recommendations — now forming part of Parliament’s position ahead of the legislative proposal — emphasise digital registration, minimal capital requirements, employee share schemes, and specialised dispute resolution mechanisms. Link

Immediately after the parliamentary vote, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen officially launched EU‑Inc. at the World Economic Forum (Davos), expressing strong political support for a truly European legal entity and reiterating the commitment to publish the 28th regime proposal in the first quarter of 2026. The design choice between a regulation (full harmonisation) and a directive (framework implemented by Member States) remains a key point of debate among policymakers and stakeholders. Link

Video of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressing the topics in Davos.

Media coverage this week highlighted both optimism about enhanced competitiveness and concerns from labour advocates about potential effects on worker protections. Link

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