Brussels, 29/05/2008 (Agence Europe) - Further to the Commission's communication entitled “Second Strategic review of Better Regulation in the European Union”, the Competitiveness Council adopted, on Thursday 29 May, conclusions whereby it invites the Commission, on the subject of legislation impact analysis, to “use more extensive and innovative methods of consultation, going beyond its minimum standards on consultation where appropriate during the whole policy development process, including through clear and relevant information to stakeholders, as a means of testing out assumptions on costs and benefits of the policy options being considered, of gathering data on national and regional impacts, and engaging more with relevant stakeholders”. The Council also notes that it is appropriate to ensure that progress made in reducing administrative burdens is not undermined by additional administrative costs resulting from new legislative proposals and, therefore, calls on the Commission to ensure that impact assessments thoroughly analyse administrative costs with a view to avoiding all unnecessary burdens. Finally, the conclusions stress that legislative simplification is needed, especially for SMES. The Council welcomes the Commission's intention to develop additional proposals for simplification and stresses the need to improve the legibility of Community law. (O.L.)