At the Italian Tech Week in Turin, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the EU will propose legislation to harmonise startup laws across member states in 2026. The goal: to cut through the red tape of 27 separate national systems.
Known as the “28th regime,” this framework aims to make it easier for businesses to scale across borders, recruit talent, and simplify legal structures. It also compliments the EU’s push for a “AI first” approach and fresh funding to support scaleups.
What this means for creators
A more seamless Europe implies that your audience, collaborators, and monetization partners will face fewer restrictions across borders.
If your creative firm expands into other EU markets, you will encounter fewer regulatory shocks.
You might look into partnerships or marketplaces in EU regions that you’d previously ignored due to red tape.
What this means for entrepreneurs
Cross-border expansion within the EU may become less expensive, faster, and less fraught with legal issues.
Hiring across EU states, raising funds from EU investors, and operating in various countries will become more practical.
While this approach may minimise friction for establishing a pan-European AI solution, legal and regulatory work remains necessary.
