The authors of these nine essays leading academics from Denmark, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway and the UK acknowledge and analyze this progress. Most demonstrate why they think further regulatory harmonization is essential, although some warn of potential dangers and pitfalls along the way. All in all, is a powerfully thought-provoking contribution to an important debate. Among the issues that arise are the following: As an penetrating evaluation of the EUs capability to improve its corporate regulatory infrastructure and thereby attract more investors and business activities within its territory as a whole, this book offers securely grounded and valuable insights to all those interested in the field, from economic policymakers at every level of government to business persons and their counsel. Most of the essays here presented were originally delivered as papers at a conference organized by the Centre for European Company Law in Leiden, The Netherlands, in September 2005. The lectures are here offered in an updated and more elaborate form.