THE EC WORK PROGRAMME ON BETTER REGULATION IN 2022

The better regulation agenda ensures that political decisions are taken based on the best available evidence, taking into account the impact they will have on the ground and the views of people and businesses likely to be affected. This approach helps ensure that regulation is targeted, easy to comply with and does not add unnecessary regulatory burdens.

1. To minimise the burden linked to the achievement of EU policy objectives, the Commission will fully deploy the ‘one in, one out’ approach with this Commission work programme. This will ensure that when introducing new burdens, we systematically and proactively seek to reduce burdens imposed by existing legislation.
2. Expected costs of complying with EU legislation will be quantified more transparently, where this is feasible and proportionate, and systematically presented in impact assessments.
3. Administrative costs will be offset. To the greatest extent possible, other measures will be taken with a view to compensating adjustment costs.
4. The ‘one in, one out’ approach will complement the regulatory fitness and performance (REFIT) programme, which systematically identifies and removes red tape and unnecessary costs.
5. Better regulation is also fundamental in supporting sustainability and digital transformation. The green and digital ambitions of the Commission and their social and fair dimensions, together with its focus on the Sustainable Development Goals and the ‘do no significant harm’ and ‘digital-by-default’ principles, will be more prominent in our evaluations, impact assessments and consultations. Equality for all, including gender equality, as well as the external implications of internal policies will be considered at all stages of policymaking. Territorial impact assessments and rural proofing will be strengthened, so that the needs and specificities of different EU territories are better taken into account. Special attention will be paid to the impact on the young generation. The integration of foresight in policymaking will also reinforce the future proofing of our regulations