On 8 April, Anna-Maja Henriksson MEP (SFP, FI) presented the draft of her own-initiative report on the implementation and streamlining of EU internal market rules to the European Parliament Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO).
The report proposes concrete tools to simplify the everyday life of businesses, such as increased use of digital solutions and artificial intelligence, to make reporting easier and ensure that Member States apply EU law consistently.
Renew Europe Vice-President Henriksson emphasises that the report is a competitiveness tool that upholds the EU's key objectives, such as an ambitious climate policy and strong consumer protection.
“The EU has 450 million inhabitants and is one of the largest economic blocs in the world, but our single market is not being used to its full potential. We should simplify and improve, not weaken. Rules should be clear, predictable and proportionate. With my report, we are sending a clear message to the Commission: now is the time to act. We must not be left behind in the global competition," said Henriksson.
The report also highlights the importance of better impact assessments, clarity in digital regulation and special attention to start-ups and innovative sectors. Henriksson suggests a ‘digital one-stop shop’ solution where businesses can manage their affairs digitally and with the help of artificial intelligence in one place.
An own-initiative report (INI) is a tool used by the European Parliament to highlight important issues and influence the political debate in the EU. They send a clear message about desired legislation to the European Commission and Member States and play a key role in driving change and providing political direction.
The report will now be discussed in the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection before the Parliament is expected to take a position on it in full in the autumn.
Click here to read the report.