"We have delivered": EU Commissioner Zaharieva urges Merz to act

TVS News AI, editorially supervised, presents "We have delivered": EU Commissioner Zaharieva urges Merz to act.

Imagine you want to found a company in Europe – and instead of 27 different national rules, a common framework soon applies. That's exactly what the EU Commission is planning with a new legal form for start-ups. But in Berlin the warning signals are flashing red: Germany fears for its domestic labor protections. In an interview with Handelsblatt, the responsible EU Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva is now ramping up the pressure – addressed directly to Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

What is Brussels planning?

The EU wants to make founding companies easier with a new legal form. According to the Commission, the goal is a Europe-wide uniform corporate form specifically for young companies, intended to serve as a common alternative to existing national models. In conversation with Handelsblatt, Zaharieva puts it succinctly, what she expects – and what she believes she has already delivered.

We have delivered.

Why is Germany hitting the brakes?

According to Handelsblatt, the German government fears that a European uniform legal form could undermine the labor protections applicable in Germany. A leaner EU variant must not pave the way to circumvent German standards. Berlin wants to ensure that the new form does not water down existing protective rules – otherwise, from Berlin's perspective, there is a risk of a facade competition in which precisely reputable companies would be disadvantaged.

What does Zaharieva demand from Merz?

In the interview, the Commissioner personally demands backing from the Chancellor. She makes clear that the Commission has fulfilled its part – now it's up to politics. Germany's voice carries particular weight in the EU; without Berlin's approval, the proposal is unlikely to find a majority. Zaharieva also signals readiness for dialogue: anyone who names concrete concerns will find an open ear with her.

What happens next?

The further procedure depends significantly on the stance of the German government. Merz must weigh whether to support or block the reform – between protecting domestic standards and strengthening European founders. Zaharieva has taken her position. The political response from Berlin is still pending.