YTF has sent letters to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries and the Ministry of Labour and Inclusion about EU Inc., also known as the 28th company regime. Companies will be able to be established digitally within 48 hours, for less than 100 euros and without a minimum share capital requirement. They will also be able to choose which EU country they register in. The Commission has asked the European Parliament and the Council to reach an agreement by the end of 2026.  

"The EU Commission calls this simplification. For professional drivers, weaker control could mean increased pressure on wages, working hours and rest. The government must say whether it wants to protect drivers and serious companies, or accept that rule-shopping will become easier," says Trude Sande, union leader in YTF . 

No public Norwegian position has been presented. 

The government's website still lists the matter as a fact sheet. The consequences for Norway are under assessment, while the government's note states that the regulations will require legislative changes if they are incorporated into the EEA Agreement.  

The European Parliament's first reading is currently scheduled for October 5. YTF demands that the government clarify Norway's position while the regulations can still be influenced.  

"The government cannot hide behind the fact that the matter is being dealt with in the EU. Norway must have a position before the most important decisions are made. Silence is also a choice," says Sande. 

The rules must apply where the work is carried out 

In the EU Commission's proposal, the rules on employee influence are linked to the country where the company is registered. This is particularly problematic in transport, where the driver, employer, client and company address may be located in different countries.  

YTF fears weaker control over wages, working hours, rest periods, taxes and fees. At the same time, serious transport companies may be outcompeted by companies that use post office addresses and complicated structures to drive down costs. 

"A driver working in Norway should be protected by the rules that apply here. A company should not be able to change the mailing address and at the same time weaken collective agreements, supervision or co-determination. The job happens on the road. The rights must follow the work," says Sande. 

The rapporteur wants to protect road freight 

The European Parliament's rapporteur, René Repasi, is currently proposing to keep road freight transport outside the EU Inc. He also suggests that the rules on co-determination follow the country where the employees usually work. The proposals have not been adopted.  

YTF believes the draft shows that the risk must be taken seriously, but emphasizes that it does not yet provide any guarantee. 

The government must react in a timely manner 

YTF asks the government to work to stop the proposal in its current form, or ensure significant changes. The union demands that: 

• The employment relationship is fully regulated by the regulations where the work is actually performed.  

• Collective agreements, supervision and co-determination cannot be weakened through the choice of country of registration  

• The regulations provide effective barriers against letterbox companies, bankruptcy fraud and rule shopping.  

The government must present its position before the opportunity to influence is exhausted.