Media

EPICENTER’s new EU Regulatory Quality Index (EU-RQI) for 2022–2024 gives EU legislative quality a mediocre 66.9/100. The study criticises overly complex language, sentences twice longer than recommended, inconsistent impact assessments that often ignore economic effects, and poor transposition rates (less than half of directives on time). Bulgaria performs worst, with 16 overdue directives (EU average: 8), 16-month delays and 31 pending infringement cases, highlighting how regulatory complexity hits competitiveness and raises administrative costs across the Union.

New UK regulations banning pre-9pm TV and paid online ads for foods high in fat, salt or sugar are forcing major retailers to pull traditional Christmas favourites like mince pies and chocolates from festive promotions. As supermarkets including Lidl, Tesco and M&S scramble to adapt, the Institute of Economic Affairs’ Christopher Snowdon questions the policy’s effectiveness in tackling childhood obesity and warns that smaller brands without strong recognition will suffer the most from the restrictions.

The European Commission’s proposed Tobacco Excise Directive revision is criticised by CNA as a revenue-grab disguised as public health policy. Citing EPICENTER research, the article warns that every €1 increase in tobacco taxation expands the black market by 5–12%. With Greece having recently made progress against smuggling, the sharp tax rises on cigarettes, heated tobacco and e-liquids risk shocking consumers, eroding state revenues and strengthening criminal networks instead of improving health.

Iefimerida warns that the European Commission’s proposed Tobacco Excise Directive revision, pitched as a public-health measure, is primarily driven by the EU’s need for new own-resources revenue. Citing EPICENTER research showing every €1 tax increase grows the black market by 5–12%, the article highlights the danger of steep hikes on cigarettes, heated tobacco and e-liquids just as Greece achieves its lowest smuggling rates in a decade—while the rest of Europe faces record illicit trade.

Varna24.bg covers the EU Regulatory Observatory’s latest analysis, scoring the Commission’s €130 billion Affordable Energy Action Plan a low 5.15/10. The study criticises the attempt to deliver lower prices while enforcing rapid green policies and relying on technologies that aren’t ready, concluding that price controls and centralised management will distort markets and ultimately raise costs for consumers.

The EU Regulatory Observatory’s “Unlocking the True Value of Our Energy Union” gives the European Commission’s Affordable Energy Action Plan only 5.15/10. While tax reductions are praised, Blagoevgrad24.bg highlights the report’s warning that chasing cheaper energy alongside forced decarbonisation and heavy administrative intervention creates irreconcilable goals that threaten both affordability and reliable supply.

Focus News reports on the EU Regulatory Observatory’s study that awards the Commission’s Affordable Energy Action Plan – promising €130 billion yearly savings by 2030 – a mediocre 5.15/10. Despite positive liberal steps, the plan’s simultaneous push for lower prices and aggressive green transition, combined with central planning and unproven technologies, will likely drive energy costs higher, the report concludes.

The EU Regulatory Observatory’s new report “Unlocking the True Value of Our Energy Union” analyses the European Commission’s Affordable Energy Action Plan, which claims €130 billion in annual savings by 2030. While welcoming tax cuts and faster permitting, the study criticises the plan’s internal contradictions: pursuing lower prices while forcing rapid decarbonisation, centralising markets yet demanding efficiency, and relying on immature technologies. Scoring only 5.15/10 for liberal credentials, the report warns that price controls and administrative interventions will raise costs and distort markets.

New analyses from European think tanks, including the EPICENTER network, expose how regulatory complexity, tax burdens and rigid labour rules are stifling small and medium enterprises across the EU. A study by Javaloyes Legal, featured in Europa Press, shows Spain lagging in entrepreneurial friendliness and competitiveness rankings. With SMEs making up over 99% of European companies, the reports warn that excessive administrative and compliance costs continue to hold back growth and job creation.