E-invoicing in the EU: Regulations, impact, and solutions

Electronic invoicing in the EU is undergoing a significant transformation. What initially focused on invoicing with public entities is now expanding to transactions between private companies (B2B). This evolution is driven by the need to improve efficiency, reduce tax fraud, and ensure transparency in commercial transactions. This shift brings numerous challenges for businesses, both within and outside the European Union (EU). Here is everything you need to know:

Key of EU e-invoicing regulations

Europe is one of the continents advancing toward mandatory electronic invoicing. It is not only required for transactions with public entities but is also gaining relevance in operations between private companies. Additionally, since many EU countries import and export products with companies worldwide, these regulations impact global businesses, not just European ones.

For companies, this means they must stay up to date with the specific regulations of each country they operate in. Non-compliance with these regulations can lead to penalties, commercial blocks, and even difficulties in daily operations.

EU E-Invoice Requirements: Countries involved

Electronic invoicing regulations vary by country. Not all countries are at the same stage regarding obligations, cases where it is mandatory, or the operating method.

Here are some of the most relevant changes and examples:

Italy: A pioneer in mandatory electronic invoicing for all businesses. A specific electronic invoice format is used along with a proprietary exchange method.
France: Electronic invoicing is mandatory for transactions with public administration and will soon be required for all businesses (2026).
Germany: Progressive introduction of the XRechnung format for invoices with the public sector and the ZUGFeRD format, more commonly used in the private sector. Starting in 2025, mandatory B2B electronic invoicing will be progressively implemented.
Spain: B2G invoicing has been mandatory for several years. The “Crea y Crece” law establishes the obligation of electronic invoicing in B2B transactions (estimated for 2027). VeriFactu (tax reporting) will take effect in 2026.
Belgium: Gradual implementation of B2B electronic invoicing (starting in 2026), adopting European standards and an evolving regulatory framework. Implementation began in 2023 (B2G) and will continue advancing in the coming years.

These are just a few examples. Many countries are implementing electronic invoicing through Peppol and through the use of standards based on the UBL format. Many other countries are implementing mandatory electronic invoicing through other systems. In this second case, each country has its own regulatory and technological system, which can create difficulties for businesses operating in multiple markets.

For more detailed information, visit our global electronic invoicing page, where we explain how electronic invoicing works in each country.

B2B electronic invoicing in the EU

As mentioned earlier, electronic invoicing between businesses is already mandatory in some European countries, such as Italy, while others are in the process of implementation. It is expected that in the near future, this obligation will extend to all EU countries and even globally.

The digitization of commercial transactions is driving the adoption of electronic invoicing in the private sector, improving efficiency and reducing tax errors. This represents a significant shift in how businesses operate, enabling process automation and easier compliance with tax regulations.

Moreover, the harmonization of standards and interoperability between different countries will facilitate the transition, though it also presents challenges in terms of technological adaptation and regulatory compliance. Companies that prepare in advance and adopt appropriate solutions will gain competitive advantages in this new scenario.

Challenges for e-invoicing compliance in Europe for businesses

Businesses operating in the EU and other regions must adapt to a constantly changing ecosystem. A key challenge is ensuring compliance with local regulations without affecting their operations. This requires in-depth knowledge of each country’s specific requirements and solutions that enable easy and quick adaptation and compliance.

Additionally, differences in invoicing formats and national systems can make adaptation a costly and technically complex process. Interoperability between different systems is another major challenge for global companies.

B2Brouter shows you how to implement e-invoicing in the EU and worldwide

Given this complex landscape, B2Brouter positions itself as a key solution for businesses worldwide. This specialized electronic invoicing provider offers a platform that ensures compliance with each country’s regulations without companies having to worry about technical and legal aspects.

Benefits of B2Brouter:

Automatic compliance with each country’s regulations without additional effort.
Guaranteed interoperability, allowing businesses to send and receive electronic invoices regardless of the required format.
Integration with accounting systems to automate processes.
Support for international businesses, facilitating connections with clients and suppliers in Europe and globally.

By using B2Brouter, businesses can focus on their operations without worrying about the regulatory and technical complexities of electronic invoicing.