This practical handbook details the new regulatory framework which applies to the publication and approval of a prospectus when securities are offered to the public or admitted to trading in EU markets. A panel of securities and capital markets law experts considers the features of the Prospectus Directive and its future implementation in EU member states. The first part of the book analyses the scope of the Directive, the key procedural stages in the publication and approval of a prospectus, and the regulatory activities of the Committee of European Securities Regulators and other competent authorities. The second part outlines the current prospectus regime in 15 EU member states with reference to the applicable legislation and the nature and schedule of expected amendments following implementation of the Directive.