On 15 April, the European Parliament Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) adopted an own-initiative report by Renew Europe Vice-President Anna-Maja Henriksson MEP (SFP, FI) on cutting red tape for businesses in the EU Single Market.
The report, which contains 40 concrete proposals to simplify rules, streamline processes and make reporting easier for EU businesses, was adopted with 42 votes in favour and three against, and will now be voted by a Plenary session in the autumn.
An example of a digital solution is the digital one-stop shop, which allows businesses to manage all their administrative needs in one place - unlike the current situation where there are multiple platforms and some Member States still require paper documents.
In the text, MEPs express support for the Commission's target to reduce administrative costs for businesses by 25% and up to 35% for SMEs, without compromising on the EU's key objectives on issues such as climate, consumer protection or digitalisation.
“In this uncertain global context, it is more important than ever that Europe stands on its own two feet. That is why we need to strengthen our competitiveness. The message from business is clear: we need to cut red tape in the EU so that businesses can focus on creating growth, jobs, innovation and tax revenues," said Henriksson.
Own-initiative reports (INI) are a tool for the European Parliament to raise important issues and contribute to the EU policy debate. They send a clear message to the Commission and Member States on the legislation they want to see, playing a key role in driving change and providing political guidance.
Click here to read Henriksson’s draft report.