How Directive (EU) 2025/25 is transforming corporate procedures across Europe

The Directive (EU) 2025/25 marks a turning point in the modernisation of European corporate law. Five years after the first digitalisation initiative, the EU strengthens interoperability between commercial registers and simplifies procedures for companies and cross-border groups. Its goal is clear: reduce administrative burdens, streamline processes, and ensure legal certainty in an increasingly international business environment.

The Directive must be transposed by Member States by 31 July 2027 and will come fully into effect in August 2028, with significant implications for company formation, statutory changes, branch registration, and cross-border operations.

Digitalisation of corporate procedures in the EU

The Directive encourages corporate procedures — from company formation to statutory changes or branch registration — to be fully digital. The objective: any company can interact with commercial registers without physical visits and with full legal guarantees.

Moreover, information already recorded in one Member State’s register can be accessed by other registers via the BRIS system. This reduces duplication, costs, and time, particularly facilitating operations for SMEs and international business groups.

What is the EU Company Certificate?

The EU Company Certificate will be an electronic and multilingual document certifying the existence and essential data of any company:

• Company name and legal form.
• Registered office and registration number.
• Corporate purpose and legal representatives.

This certificate will allow due diligence, bank account opening, financing, and M&A operations without the need for additional national certificates or sworn translations. Additionally, each company can obtain it free of charge at least once a year, reinforcing its everyday usefulness.

What is the EU Digital Power of Attorney?

Another notable advancement is the EU Digital Power of Attorney, a common and multilingual model allowing powers for cross-border corporate acts (subsidiary formation, branch registration, mergers, or international demergers).

This power will be:

• Recognised in all Member States.
• Exempt from legalisation or apostille, reducing costs and time.
• Compatible with preventive legality checks, ensuring identity, capacity, and legitimacy.

In practice, it simplifies international operations without compromising legal certainty.

 

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Transparency and access to corporate information

The Directive strengthens publicity and updating of registry information, extending obligations to partnerships and setting clear deadlines for relevant changes.

Additionally, it advances the interconnection of commercial, beneficial ownership, and insolvency registers using the European Unique Identifier (EUID), which:

• Facilitates access to reliable and up-to-date information.
• Reduces the risk of fraud.
• Enhances security in domestic and international operations.

How to prepare your company for the changes of Directive EU 2025/25

Directive (EU) 2025/25 is not just technical: it defines the European model of digital, interoperable, and secure corporate law. For companies, especially those with international activity or expansion plans, this means:

• Streamlined processes and cost reduction
• Greater legal certainty in transactions and registrations
• The need for early adaptation to national regulatory changes

Relying on specialised advice in company formation, corporate management, and cross-border operations allows you to fully leverage the advantages of the new digital environment.

How can Adlanter help?

At Adlanter, we offer corporate advisory and management services to optimise your company’s corporate and commercial management, combining technical knowledge and practical experience to ensure your operations are conducted safely and efficiently.