The European Parliament's legal affairs committee (JURI) on 4 May 2026 debated the proposed 28th regime for company law (EU Inc.), revealing a clear divide between supporters and critics. Michael McGrath (Commission) presented the framework as a harmonised digital company-law tool offering 48-hour setup, a €100 capital cap, and stock options, while leaving labour, tax, and anti-money laundering (AML) rules untouched.
René Repasi (S&D) pushed back strongly, warning that the split between registration and economic activity enables forum shopping and lacks guardrails on employee and creditor protection. Pascale Piera (PfE) opposed the direction, citing risks of shadow companies and weakened AML. Mario Mantovani (ECR) questioned legal certainty due to the coexistence of 27 national legal systems. On the other side, Axel Voss (EPP) and Lukas Sieper (NI) backed the proposal as progress for EU competitiveness.
mandatory uptake questioned
The committee also debated the European Business Wallet, presented by Alina Radu (Commission) as a competitiveness tool with mandatory public-sector uptake. Angelika Niebler (EPP) questioned phased obligations for administrations, while Mario Mantovani (ECR) insisted on voluntary business use and free basic functions. Daniel Buda (EPP) stressed the need for security against false signatures.
Environmental crime convention and Cabo Verde accession
The environmental crime convention won broad support, though Mantovani raised cost and timing concerns. Cabo Verde's accession to the Hague Child Abduction Convention was unanimously backed.
wallet vote on 5 June 2026; Cabo Verde amendment deadline 6 May noon.
Startups and SMEs would benefit from simplified cross-border setup and digital wallet access, but workers and creditors face risks from reduced protections under EU Inc. Public administrations would need to adopt the wallet, raising implementation costs. Environmental offenders would face stricter penalties under the convention, while abducted children gain faster return mechanisms.