EEA EFTA States welcome the EU’s simplification agenda

Small and medium-sized enterprises make up 99.8% of businesses in the EEA EFTA States. Therefore, the Omnibus proposals are expected to have a significant impact on the EEA EFTA States' enterprises and economies. Reducing unnecessary administrative burdens and making rules more predictable and business-friendly can be an important driver of European competitiveness and innovation.

While broadly supportive of the Omnibus proposals presented so far, the EEA EFTA States emphasise the importance of maintaining key targets and commitments related to climate, environment and social rights. The focus should be on improving the methodology used to achieve these goals, for example by streamlining reporting requirements and removing regulatory overlaps or inconsistencies.

The EEA EFTA States also call on the Commission to ensure that every new legislative proposal is preceded by a comprehensive and timely impact assessment. This should include an evaluation of the effects of the proposal on competitiveness and innovation, and a dedicated analysis of existing regulatory governance structures. Avoiding unnecessary duplication of reporting and enforcement mechanisms is essential to ensuring effective implementation.

The EEA EFTA States reaffirm their role as constructive partners in strengthening the Internal Market, and look forward to continuing their cooperation with the European Commission on the simplification agenda.

EEA EFTA Comment