The EU Parliament’s President Roberta Metsola has criticised the new packaging regulations as too complicated. She says SMEs in particular are struggling with the additional requirements and paperwork.
The European Commission plans to reduce the administrative burden through so-called omnibus packages. Measures could include fewer reporting requirements and the removal of some environmental databases. The Commission says SMEs would benefit while basic environmental standards would remain in place. However, some environmental organisations fear that these changes could weaken environmental and nature protection.
Metsola is also calling for a simpler and more business-friendly EU. At the same time, she stresses the importance of security, the rule of law and human rights. A stronger single market should help Europe compete with China and other global competitors. She also sees digitalisation and the responsible development of artificial intelligence as important for Europe’s future.
The challenge is to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy without lowering environmental or fundamental rights standards. A specific proposal is still being prepared, with a vote expected in October.
How VERE sees the matter
VERE welcomes efforts to reduce bureaucracy for SMEs. However, it is concerned about the growing pattern of changing or questioning rules that businesses have already prepared for. Many companies invest significant time and money to comply with new requirements that have been announced well in advance. When these rules are later changed or withdrawn, businesses that prepared early can be left at a disadvantage. Companies that ignored the rules may benefit instead.
This creates uncertainty and makes businesses question the EU’s changing approach. From VERE’s perspective, it is therefore unclear whether such last-minute changes, or even the expectation that rules may change, really provide relief for businesses.
VERE e.V. is in contact with the relevant stakeholders and keeps its members informed of further developments via the “VERE Insider”.
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