| Abstract [eng] |
Possibilities of Company Law Digitization in Lithuania This master thesis provides analysis of the digital tools currently used in Lithuanian company law and assesses further possibilities of their application. Examination of this topic is aimed at revealing that digitalization tools might be applied at different stages throughout a company’s lifecycle. The master thesis begins with tackling the complexity of the concept of digitalization in company law, noting that it should be understood in a broader perspective compared to what has been discussed at the EU level in recent years. Further on, the main aspects of the development of digitalization in Lithuanian company law are outlined. The second chapter is devoted to digitalization tools applicable at incorporation stage, analyzing the changes that will be brought in by online incorporation of companies following the implementation of the Directive, as well as discussing the issue of the mandatory use of templates under the provisions of the Directive. Moreover, the paper looks into the possibilities of the establishment of the virtual registered office in Lithuania, an idea publicly raised again this year. The third chapter focuses on digitalization aspects during a company’s operation phase. It is argued that in order to switch to virtual-only meeting of shareholders the issue of protection of minority shareholders should be addressed. It is also suggested that procedure for notification about general meetings of shareholders is regulated more flexibly. The impact of the Directive on company’s communication with the state, inter alia submission of information and documents, is also addressed. Given the specifics of the two main disruptive technologies – blockchain and artificial intelligence – the fourth chapter provides distinctive analysis of the issues in the company law that can make use of both of them. Once due to the analysis of legal doctrine the possibilities of application of these technologies are revealed, the main aspects of their potential practice in Lithuanian company law are outlined. |
