Several top European politicians have criticized the economic record of EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “We should have more trust in the economy,” said EU Council President Charles Michel to WELT AM SONNTAG. “Our companies are burdened by too many regulations.” Michel is calling for a rapid reduction in bureaucracy. “The EU urgently needs less and smarter regulation,” he said. “To promote the growth of companies and let them do what they do best: do business.”
Michel sees the EU’s competitiveness under threat. “In recent years, the European internal market has been neglected,” he said. “The result is that the gap between us and our partners in terms of growth, competitiveness and prosperity is growing.”
During von der Leyen’s term in office, companies often complained about too much regulation. The European supply chain law and the climate tariff CBAM, a surcharge for goods from countries with lax environmental regulations, caused particularly great discontent. In addition, the business community often felt that it was not sufficiently involved in the legislative process.
“It is clear that emissions must be reduced, and quickly,” EU Commissioner Nicolas Schmit told WELT AM SONNTAG. “However, the development of the Green Deal would have benefited from more dialogue.” Brussels, said Schmit, should involve companies, unions and citizens more in the future. The Luxembourger was responsible for labor and social affairs under von der Leyen and is now running as the Social Democrats’ top candidate in the European elections.
Schmit also sees competitiveness at risk. The EU, he said, is in danger of losing the race with America and China for the technologies of the future – such as electric cars, wind turbines and artificial intelligence. “The next Commission must create the conditions for European champions,” he demanded. “Airbus shows that Europe can do industrial policy.” The aircraft manufacturer was once created by Germany, France, Spain and Great Britain and is now successful globally.