On April 28, 2026, during a statement to the European Parliament, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, addressed ongoing concerns about bureaucratic inefficiencies within the EU. She notably directed criticism towards major member states like Germany and France, urging them to acknowledge their roles in perpetuating red tape that complicates business operations and hinders economic growth.

Von der Leyen stated, "It is time for a deep regulatory housecleaning, at all levels. Companies tell us they spend almost as much on bureaucracy as on research and development; this cannot be." Her remarks highlight a growing frustration among EU leaders regarding the balance between necessary regulations and excessive administrative burdens that can stifle innovation and competitiveness.

The call for simplification comes as the European Commission aims to implement the One Europe, One Market agenda, which seeks to tackle the identified barriers to a more integrated single market by the end of 2026. This initiative is particularly critical in light of economic challenges faced by businesses across Europe, exacerbated by ongoing geopolitical tensions and rising energy prices.

As part of this agenda, European leaders have been urged to prioritize the reduction of bureaucracy and ensure that regulations are straightforward, benefiting both businesses and consumers. Von der Leyen emphasized that while Brussels strives to create a conducive regulatory environment, member states must also reflect on their domestic regulations, which can significantly contribute to complexities faced by companies.

The urgency of this call to action follows a summit where EU leaders discussed economic competitiveness and strategic autonomy. As the EU navigates an increasingly competitive global landscape, the need for a unified approach to deregulation and energy independence becomes all the more pressing.

While the focus remains on encouraging member states to streamline their regulations, von der Leyen's remarks underline the interconnected nature of governance within the EU, indicating that collective efforts will be essential in overcoming bureaucratic challenges moving forward.