A major step toward a European Business Code

The European Commission has just introduced the concept of a “28th regime” — an optional, EU-wide legal framework for companies, also referred to as “EU Inc.”

This initiative aims to simplify cross-border business operations by offering a single set of rules alongside existing national systems. It represents a significant move toward a more integrated and competitive Single Market.

At One Market One Law, we see this as a decisive milestone:

• a pragmatic pathway toward a true European Business Code
• a tool to enhance legal certainty and economic efficiency across the EU

This development also echoes broader global dynamics, where unified business law systems —such as OHADA— have demonstrated their value in fostering legal predictability and economic growth.

The question is no longer if Europe will move toward greater legal harmonization, but how fast and how far.