Supporters
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Our transnational initiative aims to reduce EU bureaucracy:
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Preamble
In a time of change and challenges, the European Union stands as a remarkable success story. Since its inception, the EU has promoted peace and stability on our continent, fostered economic prosperity, and strengthened the fundamental values of freedom, democracy, and human rights. Through joint efforts, we have transcended borders, facilitated trade, and forged a unique partnership that respects the diversity of our cultures and traditions.
The escalating bureaucracy threatens the success of the EU. The European Taxpayers' Association under its president Michael Jäger has launched an open petition campaign with the motto "Stop Bureaucracy". Associations and organizations from all walks of life are called upon to join and mobilize European citizens.
Our Claims
We, the undersigned, call upon the European Union to take concrete measures to reduce excessive bureaucracy. The current bureaucracy burdens businesses, slows down innovation, and undermines the trust of citizens in the EU. We demand effective simplification of administrative procedures, more transparent regulations, and increased utilization of digital solutions. Together, we can build a more dynamic and efficient EU that better serves the needs of its citizens and businesses. Join us, whether you're a simple citizen, politician, worker, entrepreneur, artist, or student, and advocate for less bureaucracy in the EU.
• The existing bureaucracy of the EU should be reduced quantitatively and qualitatively by 20% for all citizens.
• With each new European regulation, its consequences and costs must be outlined in a qualitative impact assessment.
• Each new regulation at the European level must provide a clear added value compared to national regulations.
• Every new regulation should undergo evaluation after two years, with completion within a minimum of one year. If the evaluation reveals a negative deviation of over 15% compared to the impact assessment, the regulation must undergo revision and resubmission. This is contingent upon ensuring that altering or removing the regulation does not result in greater harm than retaining it.
• The European Commission should appoint a Special Envoy for Bureaucracy Reduction, who addresses his/her report specifically to the citizens of the EU.
Bureaucracy Destroys Citizens' Trust
Bureaucracy burdens citizens by creating unnecessary hurdles and red tape in their interactions with government agencies and public services. Its complex procedures and paperwork can lead to frustration, delays, and inefficiencies, making it difficult for individuals to navigate and access the resources they need. Overall, bureaucracy imposes unnecessary burdens on citizens, hindering their ability to interact effectively with governmental institutions.
Bureaucracy Destroys Companies And Jobs
Bureaucracy can devastate both companies and jobs. Its cumbersome processes stifle innovation, slow decision-making, and increase operational costs, often leading to downsizing and job losses as companies struggle to remain competitive.
Bureaucracy Destroys Education And Science
Bureaucracy hampers education and science by stifling innovation and slowing progress. Its rigid systems and cumbersome procedures discourage educators and researchers, limiting their ability to pursue new ideas and discoveries.
Bureaucracy Destroys Health And Care
Bureaucracy introduces unnecessary complexities and administrative burdens into healthcare systems, resulting in delays in patient care, inefficient allocation of resources, and increased frustration among healthcare professionals. These hurdles can lead to suboptimal outcomes for patients and contribute to a decline in the quality of healthcare services overall.
The unity of Europe has achieved wonders: Securing peace, freedom, democracy, and prosperity.
However, we strive for an even better Europe and therefore combat bureaucratic excesses that jeopardize our position, prosperity, and values.
Our aim is for Europe to remain in the "Champions League of Quality of Life". Therefore, we demand:
1. A Reduction of 25% in Reporting Requirements. The President of the Commission has committed to presenting a timeline and action plan on this matter.
2. Impact Assessment: Every new regulation must demonstrate its effect, persistence, and costs.
3. Time Limitation: Every new regulation must have a predetermined time limit, with continuance subject to positive evaluation.
4. Proportionality: This principle must be applied to all regulations, controls, and sanctions.
5. Special Envoy: The Commission must appoint a Special Envoy for cutting bureaucracy.
A strong Europe requires less bureaucracy and more freedom for its citizens!
SPOKESPERSONS
Dr. Christoph Leitl
Former President of the Austrian Chambers of Commerce & Eurochambres
Michael Jäger
President of Taxpayers Association of Europe