The European Commission plans to boost the economy by reducing or standardizing regulations across member states. This will particularly benefit medium-sized businesses, saving them significant annual costs when operating across the EU.
Industrial Strategy Commissioner Séjourné proposes replacing mandatory labels with QR codes on packaging. This would allow supermarkets to more easily purchase cheaper products from other countries. Currently, food products must display ingredient and nutritional information in Dutch, but a QR code could provide this in any language.
Séjourné also highlights difficulties in sending postcards and parcels across the EU. In the Netherlands, PostNL seeks adjustments to postal laws to extend delivery times, citing examples from other EU countries with less stringent requirements.
The Commissioner expects these changes to save millions annually and create jobs. Strengthening the internal market is also part of the EU's strategy in its trade war with the US, aiming to reduce reliance on American markets.
The internal market, a cornerstone of the EU, facilitates the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital. Despite its success, barriers persist, which former ECB chief Mario Draghi recently described as more harmful than US tariffs.
Further proposals include recognizing qualifications across all member states, simplifying business setup within 48 hours, and easing temporary work in other EU countries. The definition of SMEs is also being expanded to include firms with up to 750 employees, exempting them from complex regulations.
VVD MEP Baljeu supports the strategy, urging an end to redundant national regulations. However, implementation will require political will and take several years, as many barriers have remained unchanged for decades.