EU Commission to push further simplification in legislative agenda
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The EU will press ahead with efforts to make legislation more business-friendly despite criticism that it undermines social and environmental safeguards, Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner for simplification, said. Speaking to euractiv. com, the Commissioner argued that there is strong demand from member states and industry to reduce red tape, and the Commission aims to achieve policy goals “in a simpler and less costly way” without lowering social or environmental standards.
The simplification agenda, spanning technology, agriculture, and corporate due diligence, has sparked pushback from left-leaning MEPs, labour unions, NGOs, and environmental groups, who warn that the Commission’s “omnibus” packages weaken safeguards.
The European Ombudsman recently flagged procedural shortcomings in the corporate sustainability omnibus, including a lack of explanation for its urgency.
Dombrovskis stressed that simplification is not deregulation, noting conflicting views among stakeholders and highlighting the complexity of balancing policy goals with reduced administrative burdens. Seven omnibus packages have been proposed this year, with three more initially planned for cars, food, and the environment. Some may be delayed into 2026, but Dombrovskis said this should not be seen as a slowdown. Only three packages are currently scheduled for next year, though more than half will contain measures easing regulatory burdens for businesses. The Commission remains committed to using omnibus proposals, or alternative legislative packages, to streamline rules while maintaining high social and environmental standards.
