HIGH IMPACT European Union

EU Proposes Stricter Late Payment Directive

Effective Date: January 1, 2026

Summary

European Commission proposes 30-day payment limit with automatic interest for all B2B transactions.

Details

## Background The European Commission has proposed a major revision to the Late Payment Directive, eliminating the ability to contract for longer payment terms. ## Proposed Changes - Maximum 30-day payment terms for all B2B transactions - Automatic 8% + ECB rate interest from day 31 - No contractual waivers permitted - Enhanced enforcement mechanisms ## Current Status The proposal is under review by the European Parliament with final vote expected Q2 2025. ## Industry Response Business groups have expressed concerns about reduced flexibility, particularly for industries with longer cash cycles.

Official Source

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