This article examines the conditions European Union law imposes on the meaning of ‘establishment’ as defined in Articles 49 and 54 Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, particularly with regard to intermediate and other holding companies. The material requirements for the establishment of intermediate or other holding companies are relatively marginal. An essential element is the link that a company has with the host Member State through its pursuit of genuine economic activities, where ‘genuine economic activities’ must be interpreted widely.
Intertax