RBL argued that the measure would increase the administrative burden, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), running counter to the European Commission’s targets of reducing administrative costs by at least 25% for all companies and 35% for SMEs.
“Legislative proposal B563/2026 [...] would oblige companies to use a lawyer for company incorporation and amendment documents, as well as for contracts for which the law requires written form, including addenda,” RBL said, as reported by Economica.net.
The association estimated that the additional cost would exceed EUR 100 million annually for company documents and standard commercial contracts alone. If the requirement were interpreted broadly to include employment contracts, the cost could approach EUR 800 million per year.
UNBR disputed both the interpretation and the cost estimates, arguing that the proposal would not require a lawyer for every company contract.
The obligation would apply only to contracts for which the law requires written form under private signature for validity or proof, subject to legal exceptions. Simply concluding a contract in writing would not automatically trigger the requirement, and non-compliance would not invalidate the contract unless the law expressly provided for that sanction, UNBR said.
The lawyers’ organisation also considers RBL’s cost estimates unrealistic, arguing that they fail to account for the documents actually covered, applicable exemptions, legal services already contracted and genuine additional costs. It said the EUR 800 million scenario relies on an interpretation that goes beyond the proposal’s scope.
UNBR acknowledged that concerns about costs, simpler procedures and legislative predictability are legitimate. However, it argued that the amendment could also simplify representation procedures by eliminating additional powers of attorney requested solely to confirm a representative’s authority. The applicable legal requirements would remain in force, but businesses could benefit from fewer trips, lower costs and shorter delays.