E-invoicing is entering a new phase of acceleration across Europe. Many EU countries are preparing or rolling out new mandates, and this momentum extends worldwide, reflecting a broader global shift toward e-invoicing.
At the same time, the European regulatory framework is evolving rapidly, with the adoption of the VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) directive marking a major step toward modernising VAT reporting and expanding the use of structured electronic invoicing across the Union.
In this context, the revision of EN 16931 represents an important milestone. The update aligns the European standard with the objectives introduced by ViDA, particularly regarding digital reporting requirements and cross-border interoperability.
A “Reality Check” interactive event
Together, these developments show how the European Commission is preparing the next stage of EU-wide e-invoicing adoption. However, the European Commission does not intend to move forward blindly.
As part of the preparatory work for the revision of the eInvoicing Directive, announced in the Single Market Strategy in May 2025 and expected in Q4 2026, the European Commission is organising a “Reality Check” interactive event in order to make EU rules easier to implement in practice.
This new consultation format aims to gather direct feedback from stakeholders to collect practical input from businesses on the implementation of e-invoicing across the EU, including legal requirements, technical standards, costs, and operational challenges. Participants will also be invited to share good practices and identify emerging needs to help shape future measures supporting harmonisation and simplification.
Event details:
- The session will take place online on April 27, 2026
- Stakeholders are invited to register to participate to the event [↗︎]
An online public consultation
The European Commission has also launched a public consultation in the form of an online survey to support a revision of the rules on electronic invoicing in public procurement (B2G). Currently in effect as Directive 2014/55/EU, this also developed European Norm (EN) 16931. Both the directive and the standard have contributed enormously to progress in the European Single Market, although challenges persist regarding adoption levels and interoperability between different systems.
In the context of the ViDA initiative and the growing number of B2B e-invoicing mandates across the EU, updating the directive electronic invoicing in public procurement is seen as essential to ensure it remains relevant, effective, and aligned with future needs.
The Commission is inviting feedback from a broad range of stakeholders, including:
- businesses, particularly SMEs
- public authorities
- civil society
- e-invoicing service and solution providers
The consultation is now open, and contributions can be submitted until 10 June 2026 by completing the online questionnaire [↗︎].
