What is the definition of Public Interest Entities (PIEs) across Europe and what has changed with the new EU rules on statutory audit that became applicable in June 2016?

This paper presents the results of a survey we carried out on this topic across Europe. It follows our previous survey from 2014 on the definitions of PIEs. We provide an overview of the PIE definitions applicable across European countries and the differences amongst them. In addition, we provide insight into the number of PIEs in each country.

The findings of this survey demonstrate that the Audit Reform has resulted in more harmonised and reduced definitions of PIEs. This has led to an overall decrease in the number of PIEs across Europe.