The requirements for performing the acts of the regional entry before the EPO of a PCT application are outlined in Rule 159(1) EPC. Within thirty-one months from the date of filing of the International application or, if priority has been claimed, from the priority date the applicant shall
(a) supply, where applicable, the translation (in English, French or German) of the international application,
(b) specify the application documents on which the examination has to be based and
(c-d-e-f) pay the filing, supplemental search, designation and examination fees and if applicable additional claim and page fees.
In absence of a proper translation as required under (a) at the 31st month time limit the EPO will issue shortly afterwards a Notice of Loss of Rights, with an invitation to correct the omitted act within two months under payment of a Fee for Further Processing.
Thus YES, it is possible to enter the regional phase before the EPO at the 31st month time limit when no translation is available yet. The EPO allows the applicant to correct this omission within two months upon notification under payment of a restoration fee.
Can I, as an applicant, influence at which of the three EPO Offices (The Hague, Munich or Berlin