Thirteen European Union member states, led by Austria, are calling on the European Commission and the EU institutions to prioritize the implementation, evaluation, and simplification of existing legislation before proceeding with new regulations.
In a non-paper co-signed by Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, and Slovakia, they propose a “European Year of Implementation and Consolidation.” The goal is to identify overlaps, unnecessary obligations, and rules that burden businesses and public administrations without providing commensurate added value.
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The signatory member states emphasize that their proposal does not involve deregulation. They call for European legislation to remain robust in the areas of health, safety, and labor, while at the same time being necessary, proportionate, enforceable, and predictable.
The initiative is being presented at a time when the constant addition of new European rules has intensified the debate in Brussels regarding the complexity of legislation, overlaps, cumulative administrative costs, and the impact on the competitiveness of the European economy. The key question is whether the EU constantly needs new regulations or whether it should first examine whether existing rules remain necessary, are effectively implemented, and provide real added value.
Assessment first, new regulation later
In this context, every new legislative proposal should, prior to its submission, be rigorously evaluated in terms of its necessity, its effective implementation, and its impact on the competitiveness of the European economy.
The countries also propose that the evaluation should not end with the adoption of a law. Every new regulation should include a review clause at least every five years, in order to determine whether it has achieved its purpose, whether it is still necessary, and whether it has created disproportionate administrative or economic costs.
From Quantity to Quality in Legislation
This approach is part of a broader debate high on the European agenda, centered on simplifying rules and reducing the cumulative regulatory burden.
The message from the 13 countries is that the EU does not simply need more rules, but better rules: legislation that is necessary, clear, proportionate, and enforceable, and that does not add unnecessary obligations to those already in place.
The European Commission has already put forward “omnibus” packages aimed at simplifying existing obligations. The 13 countries, however, are calling for simplification not to be limited to subsequent corrections, but to be incorporated into the legislative process before new regulations are adopted.
Competitiveness and Compliance Costs
The competitiveness of the European economy is also at the center of the discussion. The 13 countries believe that the accumulation of regulatory requirements increases compliance costs for businesses and can act as a deterrent to investment and innovation, thereby affecting the attractiveness of the single market.
At a time when Europe is seeking ways to strengthen its competitiveness, the focus is shifting toward preventing unnecessary complexity: better assessment prior to new legislative initiatives and systematic monitoring of the cumulative regulatory burden that businesses and public administrations are called upon to manage.
With information from Euronews and Politico.eu
