EU Leaders Call for Greater Simplification Ahead of Summit

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In a bold move signalling a collective drive for economic revitalisation, leaders from 19 EU nations have united in a call to action directed at European Council President António Costa. This initiative aims to simplify the intricate web of regulations governing the European Union, a cornerstone of the bloc’s strategy ahead of a pivotal summit taking place this Thursday in Brussels.

The letter, which underscores the necessity of a “constant stream” of proposals for simplification, reflects a concerted effort among European leaders to bolster competitiveness and invigorate economic growth. As they prepare for discussions at the summit, there is a palpable urgency to deregulate in order to both enhance economic performance and appease external pressures, notably from the United States.

“Simplification is key for competitiveness,” the letter states, a sentiment echoed by prominent figures such as Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz, France’s President Emmanuel Macron, and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. This triad of leadership highlights the broad consensus on the necessity for reform, with a particular focus on streamlining regulations that could be deemed superfluous or cumbersome.

In their correspondence, the leaders call for a “systematic review of all EU regulations to identify rules that are superfluous.” This review would pave the way for what they term “Omnibus proposals” — an ongoing series of legislative reforms initiated by the European Commission throughout its current term. The objective is clear: to enhance the efficiency of EU regulations and facilitate a more agile response to the rapidly changing global economic landscape.

Among the specific areas identified for reform are corporate sustainability reporting regulations. The leaders expressed a pressing need for swift adoption of simplifications concerning the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). They emphasised that these changes are not merely bureaucratic adjustments but essential steps towards creating a harmonised legal framework that supports businesses operating across the 27 EU member states.

The letter also advocates for a special European Council meeting focused on competitiveness, slated for February 2026. In addition, it calls for regular updates from the European Commission on progress in these areas, with a recommendation that the Commission’s President provide updates to EU leaders ahead of each European Council meeting, commencing in December 2025.

This initiative aligns with the broader EU agenda of fostering a sustainable and competitive economic environment, especially in light of the challenges posed by global economic shifts and the pressing need for climate action. As the European Union grapples with the dual imperatives of economic growth and sustainability, the simplification of regulations could play a critical role in achieving these goals.

In conclusion, the leaders’ unified stance on the simplification of EU regulations represents a significant moment in European politics. It illustrates a commitment not only to enhance competitiveness but also to adapt to the evolving demands of the global market. As the summit approaches, all eyes will be on the outcomes of these discussions, and whether they will translate into actionable reforms that benefit both businesses and the environment.

Francesca Micheletti reported from Brussels. Hans Joachim Von Der Burchard reported from Berlin.