The EEIG is a form of association between companies or other legal bodies, firms or individuals from different EU countries who need to operate together across national frontiers. It carries out particular tasks for its member-owners and is quite separate from its owners’ businesses. Its aim is to facilitate or develop the economic activities of its members.
An EEIG may be set up in any one of the Member States, and operate in any part of the EU. It can also enter into arrangements with organisations outside the EU, although these organisations cannot themselves become members of an EEIG.
An EEIG’s activities must relate to the economic activity of its members but must be ancillary to them. The concept of ‘economic activity’ can be interpreted very widely. For example, universities and research institutes may participate in an EEIG. The creation of an EEIG between people in the professions (for example, solicitors) is also permitted. However, professional people will need to consider whether or not participation in an EEIG would be contrary to the rules of their profession. The Grouping may not itself practise a profession – as this would replace the activities of the members – but it may provide services for its members which relate to their profession (for example, consultation on legal matters).
For example, companies in the UK, Spain and France might form an EEIG to carry out scientific research in an area of common concern; or firms in Portugal and Scotland might use an EEIG to create a joint marketing operation for a new range of products; or lawyers in England, Denmark and Germany could join together to pool information.
For further information regarding EEIGs please contact RKG Consulting.