The Council of the European Union adopted its negotiating position on the proposed EU Inc. company framework on October 23. The plan would offer businesses an optional legal regime alongside the systems already available in the bloc’s 27 member countries.

Under the proposal, online registration would take no more than two days and cost at most €100. The Council supports easier cross-border operation while revising digital administration, share-register arrangements and safeguards. National authorities could refuse registration on grounds involving money laundering or other criminal activity.

Employee participation would generally follow the rules where a company has its registered office, with an optional mechanism addressing thresholds in other member states. The position also retains an employee stock-option scheme with limits intended to focus its use on smaller companies.

The agreement authorizes negotiations with the European Parliament once Parliament adopts its position. It does not make the framework available immediately. The Council proposes a 21-month implementation period, but the final obligations and timetable depend on the eventual legislation.