Presentation
On 26 February, The European Commission presented the first Omnibus package as part of a series of simplification measures to be delivered throughout 2025. This Policy Brief identifies the various visions of and demands on the simplification agenda, the different institutions and processes that can carry forward the different elements of this agenda, and the directions for a meaningful EU simplification agenda in line with sustainable development.
Key Messages
- Advancing a meaningful simplification agenda is challenging because (i) similar attempts have failed in the past; (ii) some of those advocating for simplification are in fact looking to weaken environmental regulations adopted within the EU Green Deal casting doubt on EU objectives and (iii) those who are seeking greater efficiency in implementing environmental objectives have difficulty making their voice heard and differentiating themselves from the previous ones.
- Simplification can support a positive EU agenda that promotes both sustainability and competitiveness. While regulation will be perceived as a constraint (and generate costs) because of the change in behaviours it aims to trigger, it can also be an instrument of competitiveness in the long term when it helps creating new markets or level the playing field vis-à-vis the rest of the world. But regulation can also create unnecessary burdens and costs when it is developed in siloes and does not evolve with lessons learnt from its application.
- This Policy Brief recalls past simplification efforts, synthetizes current simplification calls and clarifies the processes that may help address them. It highlights four conditions of success to deliver on a sustainable and competitive Europe:
• Various players engaging in good will;
• Restating values and policy objectives through the development of an EU long-term strategy;
• Strengthening review processes to allow for more dynamic policymaking;
• Building greater interlinkages between Member States and the EU institutions on better regulation, implementation and simplification.
