European Commission launches major simplification program to remove bureaucratic barriers that hinder economic growth.
Unprecedented Regulatory Review
The European Union economy must develop faster, without bureaucratic brakes. From 2025, the European Commission is implementing a simplification program that should annually bring at least 15 billion euros in savings to EU businesses. By the end of 2029, the Commission will review all EU legislation to identify and eliminate outdated, overlapping, and unnecessary requirements.
Thorough Sector-by-Sector Analysis
We will analyze every sector and comb through our law thoroughly. The Commission places simplification at the center of its program, and no policy area will be an exception. In 2026, most new legislative proposals will include significant simplification aspects, and the number of executive and delegated acts will be reduced by 30 percent.
Benefits for Smaller Businesses
Unnecessary and overlapping regulatory obligations increase costs, discourage investment, and divert resources from innovation, particularly affecting smaller businesses with limited resources. Our simplification initiative concerning due diligence and corporate reporting in sustainable development will soon become binding law, exempting over 80% of businesses from burdensome reporting requirements.
Need for Joint EU and National Action
The Commission cannot accomplish this task alone. EU and national institutions must work together from law-making in Brussels to implementing regulations at regional and local levels. According to a recent OECD report, 3.9% of EU employees perform compliance tasks while only 1.7% work in research and development positions.
Impact on Europe’s Competitiveness
When we act systematically, these small improvements can enhance Europe’s competitiveness and create new jobs. For too long, the EU’s growth rate has been lower than it should be, with other economies developing faster and Europe’s importance declining. Simplification offers a chance to correct this trend and unlock Europe’s full production potential.