BusinessEurope has expressed support for the European Commission's 2025 Work Programme, which aims to enhance Europe's competitiveness with a focus on creating a "bolder, simpler and faster Union." However, BusinessEurope has also highlighted the need for more decisive actions to effectively reduce regulatory burdens on businesses.
Markus J. Beyrer, Director General of BusinessEurope, acknowledged some positive aspects of the programme: "While the Work Programme includes positive initiatives, like the Omnibus packages and a simplification agenda, their actual impact on reducing business burdens is yet to be seen." He noted that about a quarter of the 51 new initiatives have elements aimed at simplification but warned that these efforts might not counterbalance the effects of 123 pending legislative proposals. Beyrer emphasized that if regulatory burdens continue to grow, it would undermine the "one in, one out" approach intended by policymakers.
Beyrer called for more than just simplified reporting requirements: "To truly ease the burden, the Commission must go beyond simplifying reporting and implement measures that will rapidly relieve businesses and foster investment." He suggested addressing issues such as energy costs compared to major competitors, speeding up innovation deployment in markets, and streamlining permitting procedures. Beyrer concluded by urging swift action from the Commission: "The Commission must now take bold and fast action to fulfil its promise of making it easier to do business in Europe."