Read @etiennehoera.d-64.social’s & my opinion on why the current simplification agenda is weakening the EU: bst-europe.eu/de/wettberwe...

And how the simplification agenda could be improved: bst-europe.eu/competitiven...

4/4

The implications of today’s vote go well beyond this first Omnibus. It further undermines trust in the political center and sets a dangerous precedent for the rest of the mandate – further hampering the EU’s capacity to act when we most need it.
3/

Let’s be clear: this isn’t good simplification. After a rushed Commission drafting process with limited stakeholder engagement, the Parliament today – instead of improving rules – further watered down standards (especially on scope, climate plans).
2/

Simplification is here to stay – and for good reason. Done well, it can reduce costs, safeguard standards and strengthen competitiveness.

Read the full brief here: bst-europe.eu/de/wettberwe...

To make simplification work, I propose four guiding principles:
1️⃣ Clarity on goals: simplification - not deregulation in disguise
2️⃣ Evidence-based selection: focus on costly, low-benefit rules
3️⃣ Sound design: apply Better Regulation tools
4️⃣ Political consensus: align early with Council & EP

Only a few proposals have been adopted, while others are stuck in lengthy negotiations.

Some proposals weaken standards – missing the very purpose of simplification: cutting costs while preserving Europe’s high standards.

Simplifying EU rules sounds like a win: rules should be clear, consistent & workable - especially for companies. The Commission has rightly recognized this. But six months after the first Omnibus package was presented, the promise of rapid & effective relief has yet to deliver.