Merz demands ‘fundamental correction’ of EU red tape ahead of summit

Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz took a jab at the European Commission on Wednesday over excessive regulation, just hours before an informal EU leaders’ meeting in Copenhagen.

Wrapping up the first coalition retreat on the outskirts of Berlin, Merz warned that Brussels needed a “fundamental correction” in its approach.

“The current density of regulation coming from the EU cannot continue as it is,” he told journalists in front of Villa Borsig, where the meeting was held. “At present, there is simply too much of it.”

Merz said he would press “in particular the European Commission,” insisting it “must shoulder its responsibility in reducing bureaucracy.”

As Germany pursues its own state modernisation with a ‘soft DOGE’ playbook, Merz argued that industrial competitiveness is “a central issue” at the EU level and “must be reflected in EU regulation.”

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