German business associations have long complained about too much bureaucracy – also and especially in the EU. The EU Commission President promises progress. The European elections are in June.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen believes more efforts are necessary to strengthen the competitiveness of European companies. The CDU politician said in Berlin after a conversation with the executive committee of the Confederation of German Employers’ Associations: “We are still the economic area that exports the most in the world. But I also say very clearly that we have to step up a gear in order to achieve what we have achieved “To secure ourselves and stay ahead. We have to become faster, more digital and cleaner.”
Von der Leyen mentioned less bureaucracy as an issue. The clearing out of EU regulations is making progress. Reporting obligations for companies should be reduced. The first steps have been taken. More would have to follow. Von der Leyen is the European People’s Party’s top candidate in the European elections in June and is aiming for another term as Commission President.
Employers: Europe must become faster
Employer President Rainer Dulger said: “In recent years, Europe has made things difficult for entrepreneurs with sometimes overly complex regulations. We should change that.” The question of competitiveness must be back at the top of the agenda in Europe. “We have to become faster, we have to become more digital and we also have to become simpler.”
Europe is a great opportunity and a support for the economy. “Only if the right decisions are made in Europe can it become a growth locomotive again,” said Dulger, also referring to the current weak growth in Germany. The EU must also abandon the path in which it intervenes deeper and deeper in the social policy of the member states.
Von der Leyen names key points
The CDU politician said that in the European economy of the future, competitiveness and sustainability must go hand in hand. She referred to the EU’s climate protection efforts. However, there is a shortage of skilled workers, which is increasingly becoming a brake. “That’s why the years ahead of us must be focused on sustainability and competitiveness.” This includes improving access to capital for companies. In addition, energy prices must continue to fall and digitalization must be promoted.
A Regulatory Control Council was introduced to reduce bureaucracy. This should take a look at the legislation in Europe. Von der Leyen called for a package for less bureaucracy in agriculture. The beginning has been made. “But we know there is still an enormous distance ahead of us.”
Source: Stern
