Omnibus law • Table.Briefings

March 19th, 2026

Europe’s real debate on competition

The alternative to deregulation is not just more investment. The quality and structure of legislation should also be examined in order to stimulate competition.

By Ben Brake

Opinion | Reducing bureaucracy

March 17th, 2026

Opinion: Europe’s Misguided Debate on Competition

In Brussels and among employers’ associations, deregulation is currently seen as the most important solution to economic problems. But the key issue is not whether Europe has too many rules, but whether it is investing sufficiently in its future.

By Stefan Körzell

Blick auf die Anlagen der Total Energies Raffinerie im Chemiepark Leuna. Die Raffinerie Leuna ist eine komplexe Rohölraffinerie mit Konversionsanlagen zur Herstellung von Kraftstoffen und petrochemischen Vorprodukten und zählt zu den bedeutenden Standorten der Mineralölverarbeitung in Deutschland.

News | Methane Regulation

March 10th, 2026

Methane Regulation: Oil and gas importers warn of collapse in refining business

The oil and gas industry claims that the Methane Regulation will jeopardize Europe’s security of supply in the medium term. NGOs accuse the industry of spreading misinformation, but some EU countries are heeding the alarm calls.

By Manuel Berkel

Dombrovskis und Albuquerque im Pressesaal der EU-Kommission

Talk of the Town | Financial policy

February 26th, 2026

Financial services: Call for a new omnibus divides the Commission

The Commission is under mounting pressure to simplify the laws governing financial service providers. But within the European Commission, Financial Services Commissioner Maria Luís Albuquerque is pursuing other priorities.

By János Allenbach-Ammann

Karsten Wildberger (CDU), Bundesminister für Digitales und Staatsmodernisierung, spricht bei einer Pressekonferenz zum Umsetzungsgesetz der europäischen KI-Verordnung.

Feature | Artificial intelligence regulation

February 12th, 2026

AI oversight in Germany: Wildberger opts for a decentralized model

No new superauthority, no gold-plating. Germany’s Minister for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation Karsten Wildberger is distributing AI oversight across existing institutions, prioritizing coordination over centralization. Academia and industry warn that the fragmented model could create friction and inconsistent enforcement.

By Corinna Visser

Opinion | Omnibus law

February 11th, 2026

Social policy is a blind spot on the EU simplification agenda

While the omnibus laws have eased restrictions on the environment, sustainability and digital issues, the Commission has not yet tackled social policy. In October 2025, the heads of state and government last called for the “agenda for simplification” to be advanced.

By Oliver Zander

Stéphane Séjourné in einem Flugzeug mit Vertretern von Airbus

Feature | Lobbying

February 4th, 2026

Lobby contacts: Second VDL Commission has more frequent meetings with companies

The second Von der Leyen Commission’s focus on competitiveness is reflected in its more intensive contact with company representatives. Meetings with US companies are predominant.

By János Allenbach-Ammann

Participation of Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, in the Digital SME Summit

News | Digital policy

February 3rd, 2026

Digital Omnibus: Data protection emerges as fault line among member states

European Union member states are at odds over key reforms in the Digital Omnibus, with an internal Council document revealing deep divisions – particularly over the definition of personal data.

By Corinna Visser

Sergey Lagodinsky (Grüne) im EU-Parlament.

News | Artificial intelligence regulation

January 30th, 2026

Digital omnibus on AI: Opinion of the Legal Affairs Committee

The JURI rapporteur proposes targeted amendments to the AI Act in order to clarify key terms, prevent abusive AI practices and make transition periods more practicable.

By Corinna Visser

News | Pesticides

December 17th, 2025

Pesticide approvals: Commission tones down contentious bid to relax the rules

The EU Commission wants to allow unlimited pesticide approvals. However, it has back-pedaled on what it was initially proposing.

By Julia Dahm