NRW launches Federal Council initiative to reduce bureaucracy

The North Rhine-Westphalian state government is committed to reducing unnecessary bureaucracy in Berlin. "Less bureaucracy, more time for what matters" is its motto.

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

North Rhine-Westphalia's Minister of Economic Affairs, Mona Neubaur (Greens), presented an initiative to the German Federal Council aimed at reducing unnecessary bureaucracy, which is also intended to provide noticeable relief for businesses. "Less bureaucracy, more time for what matters," is the stated goal. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are expected to be the primary beneficiaries in the economic sector.

The North Rhine-Westphalia state government is committed to faster procedures, digitalized processes, and more practical guidelines. This will ensure that Germany remains an attractive business location. This applies particularly to the use of the special fund for overdue investments in infrastructure and climate protection.

"Bureaucracy must not be a brake"

"Bureaucracy must no longer be a hindrance. Our goal is clear: fewer regulations, more freedom of action – for tradespeople, care facilities, family businesses, and everyone involved. We must ensure that the special fund is not only used sensibly, but also quickly," says Neubaur.

"That's why we want to become more efficient and modern in the awarding of public contracts. The announced investments must reach those urgently needed." Nathanael Liminski, State Minister for Federal Affairs, adds: "When it comes to reducing bureaucracy, all levels of government must move from talking to action. Reducing bureaucratic hurdles saves taxpayers' money, speeds up the government, and eases the burden on the economy."

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NRW calls for noticeable relief for small and medium-sized businesses

North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is placing the interests of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at the heart of its initiative. It is calling on the federal government to reduce or simplify federal reporting requirements. Furthermore, there must be a "tangible reduction in obligations arising from the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)" for SMEs. Effective data protection can still be guaranteed.

The state government also wants to ensure that the federal government's special funds reach concrete local projects more quickly, such as the expansion of modern schools, public transport, or the energy-efficient renovation of buildings.

Source: NRW Ministry of Economic Affairs

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