Strategy for the simplification of the regulatory environment, implementing the Lisbon strategy

This third progress report on the strategy for simplifying the regulatory environment complements the third strategic review of Better Regulation in the European Union and the Commission Working Document on reducing administrative burden. It reviews the considerable ground covered since the launch of the strategy, highlights success stories and maps areas for future simplification action.

Since the launch of the strategy for simplifying the regulatory environment in 2005, simplification has been mainstreamed into the work of the Commission. Through a range of coordinated activities, the Commission has built up a political and practical framework of action delivering tangible benefits for citizens, businesses and public administrations. In an effort to make legislation more clear and understandable, some 1 300 acts, representing around 10% of the acquis, have been proposed for removal from the EU statute book.

Simplification is a continuous process. The snapshot provided by the screening of the acquis prepares the ground for future work. A programme which started with a limited number of dispersed initiatives now covers all policy areas and is taking an increasingly sectoral approach. This means examining the entire body of legislation that affects a given policy area to identify overlaps, gaps, inconsistencies and excessive regulatory burdens. The aim is to assess the overall effectiveness of the regulatory framework sector by sector.

In driving forward the simplification agenda, the Commission will require political support from the other EU institutions and the Member States. The European Parliament and the Council are invited to do their utmost to adopt pending proposals as soon as possible and to preserve their simplification content during the decision-making process. The Member States are encouraged to carry forward their own simplification programmes and to apply EU law in a spirit of simplification, without adding unnecessary measures on the back of EU law.

On a daily basis, European citizens and businesses are confronted with a mix of EU, national and regional legislation. Only a coordinated simplification effort at all these levels can ensure that this regulatory framework serves its purpose in the best possible way – safeguarding growth and welfare, while keeping burdens to the minimum necessary.