Reducing bureaucracy • 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

Feature | Buy European

March 5th, 2026

New layers of bureaucracy: What “Buy European” means for businesses and local authorities

In complex value chains, it is difficult to give a simple definition of what is “European.” Public contracting authorities and small and medium-sized enterprises fear new documentation requirements and rising costs.

By Till Hoppe and 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

News | Middle class

February 26th, 2026

Mid-caps: EU Parliament calls for higher thresholds

The European Parliament plans to classify companies with fewer than 1,000 employees in the new category of small mid-caps. These companies would benefit from exemptions, for example with regard to documentation requirements.

By Till Hoppe

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on stage at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp in 2026.

Feature | Emissions trading

February 19th, 2026

Reform of the Emissions Trading System: The impact of potential adjustments

There is growing debate over possible adjustments and reforms to the European emissions trading framework. A clear-cut solution is not yet in sight. While experts acknowledge the need for changes, they caution that modifications could have repercussions for climate targets and undermine earlier investment decisions.

By Lukas Knigge

Opinion | Reducing bureaucracy

February 13th, 2026

Competitiveness versus nature: Why deregulation is risky

Cutting red tape is part of the agenda for greater competitiveness, which was the focus of the informal meeting of heads of state and government. The EU’s deregulatory zeal could massively weaken nature, climate and water protection.

By Raphael Weyland

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrive for German-Italian government consultations in Rome, Italy, Jan. 23, 2026. Credit: Francesco Fotia/Avalon (Italy). Rome Copyright: xFrancescoxFotiax xAvalonx 1068611426

Talk of the Town | European Council

February 9th, 2026

Leaders’ retreat on competitiveness: Merz invites like-minded partners to preliminary meeting

“Buy European” criteria could become a point of contention at an informal meeting of European Union leaders on competitiveness and the single market. Six member states have raised concerns in a non-paper.

By Markus Grabitz

Bauminister Christian Bernreiter bei der Pressekonferenz nach der Sitzung des bayrischen Ministerrates in München Bayern.

Interview | Transport policy

January 5th, 2026

Bernreiter: “Brussels appears to be on another planet”

In an interview with Table.Briefings, Christian Bernreiter, transport minister in the German state of Bavaria, complains that Brussels is making too little progress in cutting red tape. He calls on EU member states and the EU Parliament to make improvements, particularly with regard to CO₂ fleet limits.

By Lukas Knigge

Feature | Economic policy

November 27th, 2025

Growth: Less red tape and more free trade to have little effect

In her second term, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is investing a lot of political capital in cutting red tape and signing new trade agreements. However, experts warn that this is unlikely to stimulate growth.

By János Allenbach-Ammann