The European Commission completed a two-day roundtable on regulatory simplification aimed at enhancing the global competitiveness of European businesses, a move that has faced backlash from trade unions and environmental organizations.

Hosted in Brussels by Economy Commissioner Valdis Dombrovkis, the discussions centered on achieving a twenty-five percent reduction in reporting obligations and included suggestions to reassess key directives related to corporate sustainability and due diligence.

Civil society organizations, including the European Trade Union Confederation, have voiced significant concerns that these measures may result in the dilution of existing regulations.

Deputy General Secretary Isabelle Schömann characterized the discussions as heavily skewed in favor of trade associations and large corporations, cautioning that reopening directives might significantly alter obligations related to thresholds, reporting requirements, and civil liability.

In a press briefing, the Commission asserted that its proposals would not change the fundamental objectives of the existing regulatory framework.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy that will include an upcoming omnibus package, set for presentation on February twenty-six, along with additional proposals expected before the summer, as well as a Clean Industrial Deal aimed at fostering economic growth while upholding environmental standards.

Maria van der Heide, head of EU policy at ShareAction, warned that the simplification efforts could jeopardize the integrity of the European Green Deal. Additionally, a coalition of civil society groups has formally urged the Commission to ensure that its process remains transparent, grounded in evidence, and fully compliant with EU law.