Implementing the community Lisbon programme: a strategy for the simplification of the regulatory environment

Abstract

The Communication of March 2005 on “Better Regulation for Growth and Jobs”1 identified simplification as one priority action for the EU. This action is the response to the European Parliament’s and Council’s requests to simplify EU-legislation and enhance its quality. It is fully embedded into the revised Lisbon strategy for achieving growth and jobs in Europe and therefore focuses on those elements of the acquis that concern the competitiveness of enterprises in the EU. Its overall objective is to contribute to a European regulatory framework that fulfils the highest standards of law making respecting the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality. Following these principles, the EU should only regulate if a proposed action can be better achieved at EU level. Any such action should not go beyond what is necessary to achieve the policy objectives pursued. It needs to be cost efficient and take the lightest form of regulation called for. In this respect simplification intends to make legislation at both Community and national level less burdensome, easier to apply and thereby more effective in achieving their goals.