Economy under pressure: Brussels announces the fight against bureaucracy

The EU Commission promises a vehement procedure against bureaucracy. The authority will make an unprecedented effort for more simplification, according to a strategy paper that has now been published. Among other things, she affirms her goal of reducing reporting requirements for small and medium -sized companies by 35 percent.

In the so -called compass for competitiveness, the Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen (CDU), also announces numerous laws that are to be introduced in the next two years. A first big advance should come next month.

Among other things, it deals with simplifications in the areas of reporting on sustainable finances and duties. For example, the European supply chain law can be dealt with, for example, with which large companies are to be held responsible for human rights violations in their supply chains.

Europe loses the connection

Europe’s main problem, according to the Commission: a lack of innovation. “In the past two decades, Europe has not kept walking with the other major economies,” it says. This means in particular the USA and China. “We have to fix our weaknesses to regain competitiveness,” said Von der Leyen.

According to the Commission, companies in the EU suffer from bureaucracy, high energy prices and more unfairly – because from abroad from abroad state -highly subsidized – competition. That is why it has to be traded.

No new laws yet

In the strategy presented, the Commission describes how it wants to help companies. However, the authority still has to present specific legal proposals or changes in the law, so far it has only been expressions of will. That is why business representatives such as the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) require that acts must now follow.

The topic of competitiveness has long been discussed at the EU level. Among other things, the heads of state and government had already dealt with the topic, reports were written and vehement claims from the economy were loud for better framework conditions.

Worries at environmental standards

The Commission emphasizes that it wants to stick to its goal of a climate -neutral EU by 2050. Change into a climate -friendly economy can lead to growth, and planning security is also needed for companies.

With regard to the announced simplifications, the TÜV association warns that EU projects are only assessed according to costs or effort. “The protection of people and the environment must remain the leitmotif of the legislation,” said Johannes Kröhnert from the TÜV association.