This publication highlights how differently 30 European countries define a public interest entity (PIE). This is relevant as certain EU laws only apply to PIEs, including EU PIE audit and related rules for companies and audit firms. The wide diversity in national PIE definitions results in these EU rules for PIEs having a different scope across countries. To create a level playing field in Europe, we propose to further streamline the countries’ PIE definitions.

With this paper, we aim to inform policymakers in the context of the European Commission’s ongoing initiative on corporate reporting. Accountancy Europe will continue exploring this matter to contribute to the debate.