EU reforms give the all-clear for electronic documentation

Reforms to the EU’s company law regime that take account of the development of electronic communications have been approved by the EU Council of Ministers.
The changes require member states to permit from 2007 the filing of official documents electronically. They also allow electronic copies of company documents to be obtained, governments to establish internet versions of their national gazettes and insist that electronic letters and order forms include particulars, such as a company’s registration number, legal form and registered office.
Another change allows companies to disclose documents in any official EU language. EU Internal Market Commissioner Frits Bolkestein said: "These changes will make life easier for companies, for investors and for other parties which need quick and easy access to company information."