The European Parliament adopted on October 21st, 2008, a report proposing measures to improve the legislative activity in the European Union. This text supported the Commission's proposal to reduce administrative burdens by 25% by 2012, but insisted that such cuts do not need to be overridden by new burdens in other areas, and should not mean falling into self-regulation which could lead to "legislative abstinence".

The European Parliament adopted in Plenary Session a report proposing such measures, and welcomed the commitment of the European Commission to present a program of action that reduces in four years by 25% the administrative burdens for European companies.  Nevertheless, the Parliament also insisted on the fact that this measures should mean a “net target”, which means that such reductions should not be overridden by the adoption of new administrative burdens in other areas.

In addition, the Chamber expressed its concern about the promotion of self-regulation, fearing that this may lead to a "legislative abstinence" which would favour only the lobbyists. MEPs stressed the importance of regulations to achieve the objectives of the EU, but highlighted that they must respect the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality. They also expressed their commitment  for a sensible and coherent Parliament's approach towards the promotion of non-legislative measures.

Avoid over-regulation

The European Parliament stresses the importance of a serious monitoring scheme of the transposition of EU legislation in different countries, in order to prevent differing interpretations and over-regulation. It also calls on the Commission for more attention in the drafting of documents on “Better Regulation” in order to avoid lists with simplification initiatives which may have contrary effects. In this sense, the text calls on the Commission the use of legislative recast as long as possible.

MEPs believe that objective impact assessments are critical to examine Commission's proposals, and call for an external and independent control, as well as for the inclusion of estimations of administrative costs. These assessments should not increase bureaucracy or present obstacles to the Commission, if they do not help to establish a sound legal framework.