Press Release: Cutting red tape at maximum speed: Citizens and enterprises save billions

Cutting red tape has reached cruising speed in the EU and is now delivering the first tangible benefits to citizens and enterprises. The second progress report on the strategy for simplifying the regulatory environment tabled by the European Commission today, lists a series of impressive results already delivered and a set of ambitious further measures to be presented by the Commission in the course of 2008. Examples of simplification proposals already adopted include the Single Payments Area in the EU which could save the EU economy up to €28 billion per year and the new electronic Customs Code which will boost international trade and save businesses up to €2,5 billion/year. The Commission also reported today on the first year of operation of the Action Programme for reducing administrative burdens. €500 million is the estimated savings for companies by cutting red tape imposed on business resulting from the adoption of five fast track actions in 2007 with a further 800 million Euro savings expected to follow shortly. The Commission also announced its intention to come forward later this year with a further wave of fast track proposals in areas such as easing information requirements in the transport, agriculture and maritime sectors. The Commission also reported on how it is using impact assessments in the policy-making process. All new Commission proposals benefit from an impact assessment that provides a thorough analysis of all significant economic, social and environmental impacts. The independent "Impact Assessment Board", which the Commission put in place at the end of 2006, is monitoring and providing advice on impact assessments and this has led to significant improvements in the quality of Commission proposals.

European Commission: MEMO/08/63: One year cutting administrative costs: Enterprises saved 500 million euro in 2007 http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/08/63&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

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