A European Economic Interest Grouping (EEIG) is an entity established on the basis of a founding agreement, the purpose of which is to facilitate the economic activities of its members. The purpose of an EEIG is not to make a profit. Its activities are related to the economic activities of its members, and the grouping may only support them. It does not have the status of a legal person.

An EEIG is not permitted to:

• direct or supervise the activities of its members or the activities of another undertaking;
• hold shares or stock in its members;
• employ more than 500 persons;
• be used to obtain loans or to transfer the assets of any undertaking, except to the extent permitted by the laws of the Member States.

Members of an EEIG may be:

• companies and other legal persons governed by public or private law, which have their registered office or central administration within the European Union;
• natural persons engaged in industrial, commercial, craft, or agricultural activities, or who provide professional or other services within the Community.