The European Commission has wrapped up a two-day roundtable focused on regulatory simplification designed to enhance the global competitiveness of European businesses, a move that has faced backlash from trade unions and environmental advocates.

The discussions, led by Economy Commissioner Valdis Dombrovkis in Brussels, aimed for a twenty-five percent decrease in reporting burdens and included suggestions to review vital directives concerning corporate sustainability and due diligence.

Civil society organizations, such as the European Trade Union Confederation, have raised significant concerns that these actions may undermine existing regulations.

Deputy General Secretary Isabelle Schömann characterized the dialogue as heavily biased towards trade associations and large corporations, warning that revisiting directives could subject obligations like thresholds, reporting demands, and civil liability to substantial alterations.

In a press briefing, the Commission affirmed that its proposals would not change the fundamental goals of the current regulatory framework.

This initiative is part of a wider strategy that includes an upcoming omnibus package set to be unveiled on February twenty-six and additional proposals expected before summer, as well as a Clean Industrial Deal aimed at fostering economic growth while upholding environmental standards.

Maria van der Heide, head of EU policy at ShareAction, warned that the simplification effort could jeopardize the integrity of the European Green Deal. A coalition of civil society organizations has formally called on the Commission to ensure that its process remains transparent, evidence-driven, and fully adheres to EU law.