The European Commission’s Digital Omnibus, part of its competitiveness and simplification agenda, streamlines overlapping rules on data, cybersecurity, and AI but does not reduce their overall burden.
The European Commission’s Simplification Agenda aims to boost competitiveness by cutting reporting requirements by 25% and reducing regulatory costs for businesses by up to €40 billion, as outlined in the 2025 Competitiveness Compass.
Europe’s ambition to lead in emerging technologies is being held back by a fragmented and risk-averse regulatory culture. Despite repeated promises to reduce red tape, EU institutions continue to introduce overlapping digital laws that place a heavy compliance burden on startups, reinforce incumbent advantages, and discourage innovation.