EU Commission Seeks Feedback to Streamline Digital Regulations in New Omnibus Package
EU Commission Initiates Feedback Process for Digital Omnibus to Simplify Key Regulations
The European Commission has officially launched a call for evidence, inviting stakeholders to contribute research and best practices aimed at simplifying the EU's legislative framework governing data, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative is a crucial component of the upcoming Digital Omnibus package, designed to streamline regulations and reduce administrative burdens for businesses operating within the European Union.
Driving Innovation Through Regulatory Simplification
Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen, articulated the Commission's vision: "We need to make doing business in Europe easier without compromising our high standards of online fairness and safety. We want an innovation-friendly rulebook: both in the way we apply the rules, and in simplifying the laws where our objectives can be reached at lower costs and streamlined procedures. We aim for less paperwork, fewer overlaps and less complex rules for companies doing business in the EU." This statement underscores a commitment to fostering an environment where innovation can thrive, supported by clear, efficient, and accessible legal provisions.
Building on Previous Consultations and Strategies
This endeavor is not an isolated effort but rather a continuation and culmination of earlier consultations and strategic reviews. The initiative builds upon the findings and discussions from reviews of the EU’s Data Strategy, the Cybersecurity Act, and the AI strategy. By integrating insights from these foundational pieces of work, the Commission aims to create a more coherent and effective digital legislative landscape. This call for evidence represents the first concrete step towards making digital legislation less fragmented and more accessible to all entities involved.
Reducing Administrative Burdens and Costs
The broader objective of this simplification agenda is to significantly reduce administrative burdens and cut costs for businesses. The Competitiveness Compass outlines an ambitious goal for the EU to lower red tape by at least 25% for all companies, with a more substantial target of 35% for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Digital Omnibus is anticipated to deliver tangible benefits, including less paperwork, fewer overlapping regulations, and clearer rules, thereby enhancing the ease of doing business in the EU. This aligns with the overarching aim of making the EU a more attractive and competitive market for digital innovation and investment.
Stakeholder Engagement and Submission Deadline
Businesses, civil society groups, academics, and other interested stakeholders are actively encouraged to participate by submitting their research, case studies, and best practices. The deadline for these submissions is October 14, 2025. The input gathered from this broad range of stakeholders will be instrumental in shaping the final measures within the Digital Omnibus package. The Commission recognizes the value of diverse perspectives in identifying areas for improvement and ensuring that the simplified rules are practical, effective, and meet the evolving needs of the digital economy.
Focus Areas: Data, Cybersecurity, and AI
The immediate focus of the Digital Omnibus, as informed by this consultation, includes targeted adjustments to data legislation, rules governing cookies and other tracking technologies, cybersecurity incident reporting requirements, and specific modifications to the Artificial Intelligence Act. The aim is to ensure the optimal application of these rules, promoting both innovation and robust protection. The Commission is particularly interested in feedback that can help clarify definitions, address potential overlaps, and streamline procedures related to data sharing, cybersecurity resilience, and the ethical and effective deployment of AI technologies. The initiative seeks to balance the need for data-driven innovation, particularly in the field of AI, with the imperative of maintaining high standards of privacy and security.
Preserving EU Principles in the Digital Age
While simplifying regulations, the European Commission remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving the EU’s core principles of safety, accountability, and trust in the digital environment. The Digital Omnibus is intended to modernize and clarify the existing legal framework to better reflect the realities of the digital economy, ensuring that businesses can navigate the regulatory landscape with greater ease while continuing to uphold the high standards that protect European citizens and maintain a fair and secure digital ecosystem. The ultimate goal is to create a regulatory environment that supports the EU’s digital sovereignty and its ambition to shape Europe’s digital future.
Broader Implications for the Digital Economy
The success of the Digital Omnibus initiative could have far-reaching implications for the EU’s digital economy. By reducing regulatory friction, the Commission aims to unlock new avenues for growth, encourage investment in cutting-edge technologies, and enhance the EU’s global competitiveness in the digital sphere. The simplification of rules around data, cybersecurity, and AI is particularly critical given the transformative potential of these technologies. A more agile and predictable regulatory framework will empower businesses to innovate more rapidly, develop new products and services, and contribute to a more dynamic and resilient digital single market. This proactive approach to regulatory reform signals the EU’s determination to adapt its legal framework to the pace of technological change, ensuring that it remains a global leader in digital governance and innovation.
AI Summary
The European Commission has initiated a call for evidence to gather research and best practices for simplifying its legislative framework, particularly concerning data, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, as part of the forthcoming Digital Omnibus package. This initiative is driven by the objective to make doing business within the EU more accessible and less burdensome for companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), without compromising the EU’s stringent standards for online fairness and safety. Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen emphasized the goal of creating an innovation-friendly rulebook characterized by reduced paperwork, fewer overlaps, and more streamlined procedures. This effort builds upon previous consultations, including reviews of the EU’s Data Strategy, Cybersecurity Act, and AI strategy, representing a concrete step towards a less fragmented and more accessible digital legislative landscape. The Commission aims to reduce red tape by at least 25% for all companies and 35% for SMEs. Stakeholders, including businesses and civil society groups, are invited to submit their input by October 14, 2025. The Digital Omnibus is expected to result in clearer rules, less administrative overhead, and enhanced trust in the digital environment, all while upholding the EU’s core principles of safety, accountability, and trust. The initiative is part of a broader EU agenda to cut administrative burdens and costs for businesses, aligning with the Competitiveness Compass goals. The feedback collected will inform immediate measures for data, cookie regulations, cybersecurity incident reporting, and targeted adjustments to the AI Act, ensuring its optimal application. This proactive approach seeks to balance the need for innovation with the imperative of robust digital governance and user protection.