Brussels, 05/03/2007 (Agence Europe) - EU Foreign Affairs Ministers, meeting in Brussels on Monday, approved the draft conclusions of the European Council on 8-9 March, including, therefore, the second section devoted to the “Better regulation” initiative. Thus, on Thursday or Friday, heads of state and government are likely to adopt the target proposed by the Commission - and backed by the Competitiveness Council of 19 February, and also the Ecofin Council of 28 February (see EUROPE 9369 and 9375) - of a 25% reduction in the administrative burden resulting from Community legislation. In addition, “taking into account the different starting points and traditions,” the European Council will probably call on member states to set “their own ambitious national targets within their spheres of competence” by 2008. Pointing out that the “Better regulation” initiative (see EUROPE 9306 for an account of the mid-term strategic review of the initiative) “remains an important instrument”, enhancing competitiveness, sustainable growth and jobs, the 27 member states will call on the Commission to “regularly update” the simplification programme. They will also note the Commission proposal for an ad hoc body, an impact assessment board, to be set up to improve the quality of the impact assessment system. (eh)