The European Commission’s 2025 Work Programme sets an ambitious agenda for competitiveness, sustainability, and simplification. But does it truly cut red tape, or are we still trapped in an endless cycle of new regulations?
A promising initiative, but will it effectively tackle Europe’s chronic lack of venture capital and access to risk/growth capital? The absence of the Capital Markets Union (CMU) in the programme is concerning—will the proposed 28th regime offer a real solution?
A welcome decision, and hopefully just the start of rolling back other flawed proposals like CSAM. Regulatory restraint is crucial for fostering a more innovation-friendly environment.
The Clean Industrial Deal, Affordable Energy Plan, and Single Market Strategy aim to drive business growth, but will they truly cut energy costs, accelerate permitting, and attract investment?
The Clean Industrial Deal and the goal of 90% emissions reduction by 2040 could fuel innovation and investment. However, achieving the 50 Mt CO₂ injection target by 2030 will be difficult without simpler regulations and a robust CCUS framework.
The Omnibus simplification packages pledge to reduce reporting obligations by 25% (35% for SMEs). While promising, is this genuine simplification, or merely a reorganization of bureaucracy?
🚨 More New Regulations than Deregulation
Despite the rhetoric on cutting red tape, the legislative pipeline remains packed. While some regulations are withdrawn, many more are introduced.
🚨 Energy Costs & Investment Risks
Affordable, reliable energy is crucial for competitiveness, yet regulatory hurdles continue to obstruct grid upgrades, nuclear power, and clean energy projects. The risk remains that industries will relocate outside Europe.
🚨 Digital Networks Act: Opportunity or Barrier?
Infrastructure is key, but past regulations have stifled investment. This new initiative must avoid becoming another overcomplicated, growth-killing law.
🚨 Will Businesses Feel the Difference?
Many of the so-called simplification initiatives still introduce new rules, compliance requirements, and oversight. The real test is whether businesses experience tangible relief or just more regulatory complexity.
🚨 European Biotech Act
This would be a crucial step towards removing regulatory barriers, boosting biotech innovation, and expediting product approvals.
Does this Work Programme truly make it easier to do business in the EU, or does it add more layers of compliance?
I remain skeptical. Now, it is up to us in the European Parliament to ensure that the Commission delivers proposals with clear strategic logic that foster growth and innovation—not more barriers to progress.