European Union Internal Market Commissioner Charlie McCreevy said today he would propose new rules next year to make it easier for companies to move their registered office within the bloc.
"I have asked my services to start assessing the impact of a directive enabling companies to move their registered office from one member state to another," Mr McCreevy told the European Parliament's legal affairs committee.
"On that basis, I envisage submitting a proposal for a 14th company law directive next spring," Mr McCreevy said.
"I am determined to give European firms a flexible regulatory framework that serves their needs, rather than imposing unnecessary regulatory burdens on them," he added. He said the new rules were needed so companies could reap the full benefits of the single market.
"Companies should enjoy full mobility within the EU - which is not the case today," Mr McCreevy said.
Mr McCreevy has also asked his officials to study the feasibility of a European private company statute. "We will examine all options for a simple, user-friendly statute which will also meet the needs of small firms," he said.
However, recent consultation has shown an even split between those who see such a statute as usefully improving legal certainty and others who are unconvinced, Mr McCreevy said.
The bloc's top financial regulator also wants to simplify rules that oversee companies.