Europe’s global competitiveness is at stake. While other regions drive innovation, the European Union risks becoming primarily known for rules and restrictions. 

In key sectors like communication, artificial intelligence, life sciences, and renewable energy, others are moving ahead—faster, bolder, more agile. Europe, by contrast, often provides the vision and regulatory ambition but lacks the flexibility and speed to deliver practical solutions at scale.   

Although regulations are often crafted with large corporations in mind, they frequently burden those with the fewest resources: SMEs, civic organisations, and citizens. Local associations and clubs must comply with GDPR obligations, including data consent forms, privacy policies, and documentation of member data processing. These administrative demands, combined with the risk of sanctions for non-compliance, can overwhelm volunteer-run structures. Meanwhile, mid-sized companies, though not directly targeted, are increasingly affected by the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) through obligations passed down by larger partners. Citizens, too, are not exempt—seemingly small measures, such as the planned annual inspection for car owners. Such matters should be regulated by the Member States—not by Brussels. 

Bureaucracy suffocates vitality. It wastes time and energy, eats away at entrepreneurial spirit, and reduces our institutions’ ability to respond to real-world challenges. 

From Overcontrol to Trust 

The creeping overregulation poses a deeper threat: it erodes trust. When citizens and businesses feel they are constantly monitored, evaluated, and restricted, they disengage. The will to take initiative disappears. A society that functions only to avoid punishment is a society in decline. 

That is why we launched the “Stop Bureaucracy” initiative—to shake policymakers awake and demand a new regulatory mindset. One that empowers rather than controls. One that enables progress instead of preventing it. 

The European Union has started to show signs of rethinking. We now have a chance to amplify that shift. 

I therefore consider it important: 

1. The Omnibus Approach Is Only a First Step: Simplification through the Omnibus Approach is welcome but must be followed by deeper structural reductions in existing bureaucracy. 

2. Substantial Impact Assessment: New regulations must clearly demonstrate their necessity, cost, and long-term effects — including indirect impacts on smaller actors like SMEs. 

3. Proportionality: Rules, controls, and sanctions must be appropriate to the actual risk — especially with regard to small and medium-sized enterprises. 

4. Strengthen Advisory Bridges: Bodies like the Committee of the Regions and the EESC must be more strongly involved as practical advisors. 

5. Sunset Clauses: Regulations should expire after five years unless a review confirms their continued relevance and effectiveness.

Learning from the Past, Leading the Future 

Under former Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, a political effort was made to reduce bureaucratic obstacles. Today, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis have the unique opportunity—not only to halt regulatory overgrowth but to actively roll it back. 

The greatest urgency lies in reporting obligations, which have grown exponentially. Worse, many more are in the pipeline. While initiatives like “Omnibus” suggest progress, reality points the other way. We must stop this regulatory inflation. 

Restoring Practicality, Building Confidence 

Europe needs to restore discretionary space and subsidiarity in how rules are applied. Not every situation fits into a rigid administrative framework. We need policies that trust institutions and individuals to act responsibly—and offer support, not sanctions, where needed. 

Controls should be conducted only when there is clear cause. 
Sanctions should follow information, guidance, and dialogue—not appear as a first step. 

Member states must be on Board 

An additional source of frustration is the so-called “gold-plating” of EU directives by national or regional authorities—that is, adding requirements that go beyond what Brussels mandates. These additional obligations create confusion, higher costs, and legal uncertainty. Member States, too, should show restraint in implementation and avoid going beyond what is necessary. After all, legal consistency is one of the key advantages of EU legislation. Deviations should remain the absolute exception. 

Role Model for a Strong Democracy 

To protect Europe’s social welfare and master the green and digital transitions, we must empower the economy and drive innovation.
Only a strong EU can uphold our standards, defend democracy, and shield citizens from rival systems. Values matter—but trying to enforce them through excessive bureaucracy at the expense of economic stability will not lead to success. 

Not Anti-Europe—But Pro-Effective Europe 

Let it be crystal clear: the “Stop Bureaucracy” initiative is not anti-European. It defends the Union’s values and mission—but it resists the overuse and misuse of regulation as a substitute for clear priorities and responsible governance. 

We need a European Union that empowers citizens and businesses, strengthens local problem-solving, and supports innovation from the ground up.
Europeans should return to the sentiment: “The EU is helping by creating better and unified rules,” rather than the frustration of: “Brussels is imposing something on us again.” This is only possible with smart regulation that serves the people. 

And finally: subsidiarity does not mean creating 27 different versions of EU law. It means making rules at the European level where needed and leaving matters to Member States where they are better equipped to handle them. 

Conclusion: Time to Act 

Europe must become more agile, more flexible, and more competitive—or risk falling irreversibly behind. 

The “Stop Bureaucracy” initiative calls on all EU institutions and member states to act now. To simplify. To trust. To focus. And to put freedom, creativity, and courage back at the heart of European policymaking. 

 

Dr. Christoph Leitl is President of the European Business Circle and leads the “Stop Bureaucracy” initiative. He served as President of Austria’s Federal Economic Chamber (WKO) from 2000 to 2018 and held the presidency of Eurochambres twice, from 2002 to 2005 and again from 2018 to 2021. Before his national and European roles, Leitl was deeply engaged in regional politics: from 1990 to 2000, he served as Regional Minister for Economic Affairs and from 1995 to 2000 as Deputy Governor of Upper Austria. During this time, he was also a member of the EU Committee of the Regions.