Davos, Switzerland – January 21, 2026 – The European Union’s long-awaited initiative to foster innovation and simplify startup financing has received a notable boost. Ursula von der Leyen,President of the European Commission,affirmed the EU’s commitment to the “28th regime” during a key address at the World Economic Forum in Davos,signaling a potential turning point for the european tech ecosystem.
The “28th regime,” a streamlined legal framework designed for innovative companies, has been under discussion for over a decade and has faced numerous delays. Von der Leyen’s announcement on january 20th confirms that it will be a legislative priority in the first quarter of 2026.”Our entrepreneurs, innovative companies, will be able to register a company in any Member State in forty-eight hours, completely online,” she stated, highlighting the initiative’s core benefit.
This commitment follows a strong endorsement from the European Parliament earlier this week. A report, approved by a broad coalition spanning from Green parties to Conservatives, identified the 28th regime as a crucial item for the legislative agenda.The report will be forwarded to the European Commission, which will utilize it to finalize its legislative proposal, due by March 18th.
The 28th regime aims to address longstanding challenges faced by startups in Europe, including complex bureaucratic processes and difficulties in securing funding. By offering a unified and simplified legal structure, the EU hopes to attract investment, encourage entrepreneurship, and position Europe as a global leader in innovation.