In 2015, the EU Commission set up the REFIT Platform (Regulatory Fitness and Performance Programme). The Fit for Future Platform succeeds REFIT. A high-level group of experts will help the EU Commission to simplify EU laws and reduce bureaucratic hurdles, also by considering digitalisation, trends and developments.

Bureaucracy is currently one of the main complaints of large, mid-sized and smaller companies across CEE. The current COVID-19 crisis has led to new short-time work and government aid programmes. All these programmes have one thing in common: huge amounts of paperwork.

The Platform will bring together Member States' representatives, the Committee of the Regions, the European Economic and Social Committee, and stakeholder groups. In a later stage the wider public and stakeholders will be able to provide input. It remains to be seen whether the Fit for Future Platform will successfully recommend noticeable improvements for EU citizens and companies and how digitalisation will be used to achieve these improvements.

Originally published 29 May, 2020

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