EU work programme: Reducing bureaucracy should be the focus

In its work programme for the coming year, the EU Commission is focusing particularly on reducing bureaucracy and improving the competitiveness of the economy.

This article is part of the special feature on bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades.

The European Commission has presented its work program for 2024. It contains 18 new policy initiatives. Reducing bureaucracy and boosting economic competitiveness are to play a key role. To strengthen competitiveness, the Commission aims to reduce reporting requirements by 25 percent, thereby providing particular relief to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The program includes 26 proposals and initiatives for streamlining reporting obligations.

"Against the backdrop of unprecedented geopolitical, economic, social and technological challenges, ensuring the EU's competitiveness and economic security is of the highest priority . This is the aim of our new policy initiatives for 2024. We will balance the demands placed on businesses and public administrations with reducing red tape for our businesses and public administrations," explains Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

You might also be interested in:

Panorama

Holiday bargains: Beware of fakes!

The Chambers of Skilled Crafts in Germany - HWK of Saarland

It is easier to post employees within the EU

Operations management

Things are moving forward!

Relief for SMEs

By simplifying customs formalities, the Commission aims to relieve the economy of approximately two billion euros . Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are expected to benefit from these relief measures to the tune of around 450 million euros . Furthermore, six legislative initiatives are to be withdrawn . This reduction in administrative burden is expected to generate savings of approximately 7,3 billion euros . The 2024 work program includes additional proposals for simplification in various policy areas.

Reporting obligations with limited benefits will be streamlined, for example by consolidating overlapping obligations, reducing the number of companies affected, and increasing digitalization. Examples of simplification proposals include the extension of reporting deadlines foreseen in the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive , changes to the scope of the Accounting Directive , and the Benchmark Regulation . In 2024, the Commission intends to focus on challenges related to labor and skills shortages, education, social dialogue, inflation, and facilitating business operations.

Work Programme 2024You can find it here detailed work program (English).
. Annexes to the program (English).
Here you can find one Factsheet about the program.
Here you can find one Technical sheet on reducing administrative burdenDHB now also digital!Simply click here and register for the digital German Crafts Journal (DHB)!