Press Release: Commission wants to simplify life for SMEs by easing the top 10 most burdensome EU laws

The 20.8 million European small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) create 85% of all new jobs in Europe, they employ 2/3 of the workforce in the EU and they contribute significantly to innovation and growth.

Following the principle "think small first", and in line with the Small Business Act of 2008, the Commission has put SMEs at the heart of its smart regulation agenda to help growth and job creation in Europe. In a broad consultation initiated by the Commission, around 1000 SMEs and business organisations have now identified the top 10 most burdensome EU laws. The purpose of this broad consultation was to check where EU regulation might be impeding jobs and growth and to identify areas or issues which would require further examination and action where necessary.

The result published 7 March 2013 indicates that SMEs see the biggest difficulties and costs as a consequence of the rules regarding the REACH chemical legislation, value added tax, product safety, recognition of professional qualifications, data protection, waste legislation, labour market related legislation, recording equipment for road transport, public procurement and the modernised customs code.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background Information: 'Regulatory fitness': Making the best of EU law in difficult times http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-regulatory-fitness-making-the-best-of-eu-law-in-difficult-times/

European Commission: Rapid: MEMO/13/168: Top 10 most burdensome EU laws for small and medium-sized enterprises: How the Commission is helping SMEs http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-13-168_en.htm

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