29 June 2018
10.00am - 12.30pm, followed by a networking lunch
Venue: BusinessEurope’s premises, 168 Avenue de Cortenbergh, 1000 Brussels
On 25 April, the European Commission unveiled its long-awaited Company Law package aiming to modernise the legislative framework for European businesses. The rules are intended to make it easier for companies to merge, divide or move within the European Union, as well as to prevent social dumping, tax evasion and other forms of abuse.
It contains two main elements: a mobility chapter relating to cross-border operations, with a number of provisions on cross-border divisions and transfers in a directive, and a targeted revision of the directive on cross-border mergers. The second element is a draft directive aiming to facilitate the use of digital tools to register companies in order to make up the EU’s lost ground in this area. The commission’s proposals seek to ensure the effective exercise of the freedom of establishment within the internal market, while protecting the rights of tax authorities, employees, creditors and minority shareholders against abuse of legal personality. Striking the right balance between the freedom of establishment and the protection of stakeholders will thus be key.
BusinessEurope, ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and UEAPME held a lively discussion on how to make the best of digital solutions and cross-border mobility, with the support of EY, kicking off with presentation of the Company Law package by Commissioner Jourovà.