Known formally by its Latin name of 'Societas Europeae' (SE), is actually a legal instrument based on European Community law that gives companies the option of forming a European Company.
An SE is be able to operate on a European-wide basis and be governed by Community law directly applicable in all Member States. This unique European Company Statute has been established by two pieces of legislation, namely a Regulation (directly applicable in Member States) establishing the company law rules and a Directive (which will have to be implemented in national law in all Member States) on worker involvement.
The aim is to reach administrative savings and a unique legal structure for the whole European Union market. It will be governed by European Community Law which is directly applicable in all member states and therefore provides legal security in the EU.
Three main issues are crucial to understand when evaluating the chances of SE:
The historic development and the legal characterstics as the framework of the SE
The role of the European Union once the SE is successfully established
Company and corporation areas of interest concerning the SE
Problem Definition
A new legal structure concerning companies is on the way. The question is now whether this legal identity is capable of solving intra-corporational problems in European companies and, if so, whether companies are likely to use the advantages that have risen with this corporate form and boost Europe´s Economy.
Research Design
The primary data research is going to be conducted by interviews with officials of the European Union, information centers and senior managers of European wide operating companies. The secondary data is obtained by internet search and with the help of the information sources of European Union itself. Additionally public libraries will be searched for relevant information.
Structure of Report & Research Questions
The report, excluding literature review, will be consisted of three main chapters:
CH1. Historic development, legal characteristics and framework of the SE
CH2. The role of the European Union once the SE is successfully established
CH3. Company and corporation areas of interest concerning SE
Research questions below are categorized according to their relevance to the chapter.
Questions of Chapter 1: Historic development, legal characteristics and framework of the SE
-What is Societas Europaea ? (European Company Statute)
-What was the driving force behind the Societas Europaea ?
-Why has it taken 30 years to approve this proposal ?