EU’s Von der Leyen reaffirms urgent need to simplify regulations in Europe

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a formal call for the sweeping simplification of European Union regulations during a high-level briefing in Brussels on Tuesday, aiming to bolster the bloc's global economic competitiveness. Speaking to policy experts and business leaders, the Commission chief emphasized that the current administrative burden is stifling innovation and deterring investment. This policy shift comes as the European Union faces increasing pressure to match the agility of global rivals, specifically the United States and China, in sectors such as green technology and digital infrastructure. The proposed regulatory overhaul is a central pillar of Von der Leyen's second term, focusing on a "burden reduction" strategy that aims to cut reporting requirements for businesses by at least 25 per cent. The initiative seeks to eliminate redundant directives and streamline bureaucratic processes that have historically slowed down the scaling of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Officials argue that by simplifying the legislative framework, the EU can create a more predictable and attractive environment for domestic and foreign capital. Furthermore, this move aligns with the recommendations recently presented in the Draghi report, which highlighted the urgent need for structural reforms to prevent Europe from falling further behind in the global productivity race. Von der Leyen noted that while high standards in environmental and social governance remain non-negotiable, the methodology of enforcement must become more efficient. The European Commission is expected to appoint dedicated coordinators within each department to oversee the removal of red tape, ensuring that the simplification agenda is integrated into all future legislative proposals.