The EU heads of state or government did not need to debate the simplification of European rules at length at their summit on Thursday 23 October. Ahead of the meeting, the EU27 had agreed on the text of the conclusions, which called for the simplification work to be carried out quickly and thoroughly.
A number of leaders deplored the European Parliament’s rejection on Wednesday 22 October of the ‘Omnibus’ report on simplifying business sustainability (see EUROPE 13736/9). The heads of state or government made it clear to the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, that they expected MEPs to do their part of the work quickly, as the EU Council has already adopted a position on the subject (see EUROPE 13665/25).
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the European Parliament vote as “unacceptable” and called on Parliament to “reconsider yesterday’s decision”.
In a letter circulated on Tuesday 21 October and now supported by 21 Member States, they call for a massive simplification of European legislation (https://aeur.eu/f/j3d ).
The President of the European Council, António Costa, invited the EU27 to a summit on competitiveness on 12 February.
Economic security. During the debate on competitiveness, several leaders mentioned the trade tensions with China (see EUROPE 13735/32). Commenting on Beijing’s restrictions on rare earths, French President Emmanuel Macron called on the European Commission to ensure a united European approach.
He also called on the EU to investigate the consequences of these measures, and then to “engage in a strategic, respectful but demanding discussion with China”. Several of his counterparts stressed as well the importance of maintaining an open dialogue with Beijing.
To see the conclusions adopted: https://aeur.eu/f/j44 (Original version in French by Léa Marchal, with the editorial staff)