Source: European Parliament
Reducing administrative burdens and simplifying implementation are key political priorities for the next mandate[1]. A new small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and competitiveness check for new initiatives will help design them with small businesses in mind, avoiding unnecessary burdens and too complex legislation.
The work on the reduction of burdens related to reporting obligations by 25% continues and will intensify to reduce burdens by at least 35% for SMEs.
In line with the better regulation guidelines[2], one-off and recurrent costs are compiled for Commission proposals[3]. The offsetting under the ‘one-in, one-out’ approach applies to administrative costs while adjustment costs are compensated for to the greatest extent.
Your Europe[4] is the EU’s main digital tool providing information and access to digital procedures to SMEs seeking to complete EU and national level formalities. In 2023, the Commission launched a technical system[5] allowing national authorities to apply the once-only principle to a wide range of formalities.
The Commission systematically involves SME organisations in policymaking. The network of SME Envoys[6] brings together EU and Member States’ officials and SME organisations to promote SME-friendly regulation and policies.
Some SME organisations are members of the Fit for Future platform[7]. Collecting direct input from companies, including through SME panel consultations, is equally important for the Commission.
The Regulatory Scrutiny Board has already been strengthened with two additional board members with the aim to allow an enhanced focus on competitiveness.
- [1] Political guidelines for the next European Commission 2024-2029, https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/e6cd4328-673c-4e7a-8683-f63ffb2cf648_en?filename=Political%20Guidelines%202024-2029_EN.pdf
- [2] https://commission.europa.eu/law/law-making-process/planning-and-proposing-law/better-regulation/better-regulation-guidelines-and-toolbox_en
- [3] Su ch costs are presented in Annex 3 of impact assessment reports accompanying Commission proposals.
- [4] Your Europe at https://europa.eu/youreurope/index.htm was the Commission ’s most visited website in 2023.
- [5] https://ec.europa.eu/digital-building-blocks/sites/display/DIGITAL/Once+Only+Technical+System
- [6] https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/expert-groups-register/screen/expert-groups/consult?lang=en&do=groupDetail.groupDetail&groupID=2666
- [7] https://commission.europa.eu/law/law-making-process/evaluating-and-improving-existing-laws/refit-making-eu-law-simpler-less-costly-and-future-proof/fit-future-platform-f4f/composition/fit-future-platform-stakeholder-group-0_en