Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – European Union nations aim to incorporate energy policies into the bloc’s initiatives to reduce bureaucracy for those in need industries, Reuters reported.
The European Commission has initiated efforts to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles that European businesses claim put them at a disadvantage compared to China and the United States, where the Trump administration is actively reducing regulations.
How will energy policies fit into simplification plans?
Following the first release of “simplification omnibus” proposals in February aimed at reducing sustainability reporting requirements for companies, the Commission is currently evaluating additional EU laws that could be streamlined to minimise red tape.
EU countries are expected to express their support for the inclusion of energy policies in this initiative, as per the draft conclusions for the ministers’ meeting scheduled for June 16. The draft also endorsed plans to streamline additional EU laws, stating that this
“is anticipated to significantly reduce the regulatory burden on companies in the energy sector and energy-intensive industries, all while ensuring alignment with the original policy objectives.”
EU diplomats continue to negotiate the conclusions, which may change before ministers grant their approval.
The EU’s simplification initiatives have received varied responses. Certain industries have supported the plans as a way to enhance their competitiveness, whereas large companies claimed they provided minimal relief from bureaucracy. Additionally, some investors and campaigners criticised the dilution of sustainability regulations as detrimental to Europe’s commitment to combat climate change.
EU diplomats informed Reuters that the policies nations seek to simplify encompass the EU’s energy-saving obligations and methane emissions regulations. They noted that the final conclusions will likely offer minimal insight regarding Brussels’ plans to introduce legislation in June aimed at banning all Russian gas imports by the end of 2027.
Why are Hungary and Slovakia blocking gas ban plans?
This is due to the requirement for unanimous approval of conclusions by EU countries, allowing any single government to veto them. Both Hungary and Slovakia have stated their opposition to the plan to abandon Russian energy.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico acknowledged the efforts to lessen energy reliance on non-EU countries but stated that the Commission’s proposals would negatively impact the EU, increasing prices within the bloc and undermining its competitiveness.
“This is simply economic suicide to go to the point where neither gas, nor nuclear, nor oil, everything must end just because some new Iron Curtain is being built between the Western world and perhaps Russia and other countries,”
Fico said.
