Innovation Report Proposal 5.38
We will increase DTI resources dedicated to expanding our
knowledge of the emerging European regulatory agenda and our influence
upon it.
Context
Around half of all legislation with a significant impact on
businesses, charities and the voluntary sector starts off in Europe.
So, just as the UK tries to make domestic laws fair, proportionate and
as efficient as possible, it makes sense to apply the same principles
to European laws. We are, therefore, working with the European
Commission and other Member States on the EU Better Regulation agenda,
which aims to modernise regulatory frameworks and processes through
effective consultation, high quality impact assessment, more and better
use of alternatives to regulation and simplification.This agenda is a priority for the UK Presidency.
In June 2002, the European Commission adopted a Better Regulation
Action Plan; a comprehensive strategy outlining measures to promote
better regulation in the EU and containing action points for the
Community Institutions and the EU Member States. In addition, an
Inter-institutional Agreement on Better Law-Making was signed by the
European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council in
December 2003, which provided a framework for taking forward parts of
the Action Plan that require co-operation between the Community
institutions. In March 2005, the Commission issued a Communication entitled
Better Regulation for Growth and Jobs, placing the agenda firmly in the
context of the Lisbon goals and outlining a new and dynamic work plan
on. These can be found on the Cabinet Office Regulatory
Impact Unit's website (address below).
Next Steps
At the Member State level, at the end of 2004, the Finance and Economics Ministries of
the six countries holding the Presidency of the EU during 2004/6
(Ireland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, the UK, Austria and Finland) issues a statement on
advancing regulatory reform in Europe to ensure that our ideas on how to deliver this agenda
are put into practice. During this period, we will continue to support the Commission in taking forward its Action
Plan and commitments in the March 205 Commission Communication. The key areas for delivery are:
- Improved consultation procedures
- Strengthened impact assessment procedure, including robust analysis of effects on competitiveness
- Simplification of legislation
- Promotion of alternatives to regulations
- Reduction of administrative burdens
How Business Can Get Involved
Businesses can help raise the profile of this
agenda by lobbying for delivery of the Commission's Action Plan in
Europe. The changes that we want to see will not happen overnight, but
the UK Presidency is keen to make real progress. We would also
strongly encourage businesses to contribute to EU and national
consultations and comment on Commission impact assessments. In
addition, businesses can join the European Business Test Panel,
designed to allow companies to feed in views at an early stage on
specific issues or areas of the Commission's work. The Commission also
welcomes views from businesses and citizens on its Your Voice website.
Further information
Anna Soanes
Department of Trade and Industry
Kingsgate House
66-74 Victoria Street
London SW1E 6SW
Telephone: 020 7215 2716
E-Mail: anna.soanes@dti.gsi.gov.uk |