A European Economic Interest Grouping (EEIG) is an entity established on the basis of an instrument of formation, the purpose of which is to facilitate the economic activities of its members. The purpose of an EEIG is not to generate profit. The activities of an EEIG are related to the economic activities of its members; the grouping may only support such activities. It does not have legal personality.

An EEIG is not permitted to:

• manage or supervise the activities of its members or the activities of another undertaking;
• hold capital shares or shares of a member;
• employ more than 500 persons;
• be used to obtain loans or to encumber the assets of any undertaking, except to the extent permitted by the legislation of the Member States.

Members of an EEIG may be:

• companies and other legal persons governed by public or private law that have their registered office in the European Union or have their central administration there;
• natural persons carrying on industrial, commercial, craft, or agricultural activities, or providing liberal professions or other services within the Community.