Making EU law fit for purpose: Results and next steps in smart regulation

On 2 October, the Commission will take a further important step in ensuring that EU legislation is fit for purpose by setting out where it will take further action to simplify or withdraw EU laws. It will publish the results of a screening of the entire stock of EU legislation and set out the next steps.

The Commission will also list a wide range of further regulatory fitness actions which are being implemented or which are proposed to the Council and the European Parliament.

This exercise is part of the Commission's Regulatory Fitness and Performance Programme (REFIT). It is about taking away unnecessary administrative burdens and keeping national implementation as light as possible. This will benefit citizens and businesses alike, provided that also the other institutions and member states show a similar level of ambition.

REFIT, launched in December 2012, is essential to put Europe back on track to more growth and jobs. It is the Commission's commitment to a simple, clear, stable and predictable regulatory framework for businesses, workers and citizens.

Regulating at EU level adds value in areas such as competition, trade and the internal market to build a level playing field that creates opportunities for business and consumers. It also protects the health and safety of citizens, consumers and workers. EU legislation creates a common framework by replacing twenty eight different national laws by one EU law. It allows the EU member states to work together to deal with problems that do not respect national borders. At the same time, EU regulation is often accused of applying too many requirements stifling businesses, especially the smallest ones. In response to that concern, the Commission has made a concerted effort over the past years to streamline legislation and reduce regulatory burdens.

For more information on smart regulation, click here.

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