German government proposes package to reduce and simplify reporting obligations at EU level

On the occasion of the publication of its 2024 work programme on 17 October 2023, the EU Commission submitted initial proposals to reduce and simplify reporting obligations and launched a consultation ("Call for Evidence").

The consultation gives companies and member states the opportunity to submit further proposals for reducing reporting obligations. The aim of the EU Commission is to reduce reporting obligations for companies (especially SMEs) and public authorities by up to 25% without undermining the political concerns associated with reporting obligations.

The German government has contributed to the consultation with 32 concrete proposals for reducing reporting obligations and has published the proposals on the EU Commission's "Have your say" portal (available here).

Sven Giegold, State Secretary at the BMWK: "We now need a noticeable reduction in bureaucratic processes, both nationally and at EU level. Small and medium-sized companies in particular are groaning under too many regulations. Reducing unnecessary bureaucracy is an expression of a modern state that works and creates trust in public institutions. We therefore welcome the EU Commission's consultation on the reduction and simplification of reporting obligations for companies and authorities and are contributing concrete proposals as the German government. We must continue to vigorously pursue the goal of reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and simplifying administrative procedures without sacrificing the necessary standards of protection. With our joint Franco-German Bureaucracy Reduction Initiative, we have therefore asked the EU Commission to drive forward the reduction of bureaucracy and provide additional impetus, in particular to relieve the burden on small and medium-sized enterprises."

The EU Commission's consultation process is part of the Commission's efforts to simplify the burdensome reporting obligations for companies and, in particular, SMEs and public authorities. Administrative burdens and regulatory obstacles are among the biggest problems for 55% of SMEs. A predictable regulatory environment, an efficient institutional framework and favourable framework conditions for companies help to increase competitiveness, ensure fairness and provide relief in light of the recent crises.