The Digitalisation Directive II– a Major Expansion and Upgrade of EU Business Registers –

Abstract 563 The Digitalisation Directive II (DigiD II) signifies a major expansion and upgrade of EU business registers. It introduces significant reforms which address two key issues: transparency of company data and cross-border use of company data. Regarding transparency of company data, DigiD II not only upgrades the existing framework for limited liability companies, but also for the first time establishes harmonised provisions concerning commercial partnerships. Regarding cross-border use of company data, DigiD II introduces sweeping reforms to improve the existing system of business registers concerning the application of the once-only principle, scrutiny of information, mutual recognition of register data, and reliance on registered information. This paper provides an overview and critical assessment of the key elements of these reforms.