European Commission’s plans will lead to worse regulations

The European Commission's proposed amendments to its Better Regulation framework are facing criticism from digital rights advocates, who fear the changes could result in less effective and less equitable legislation. Organizations like EDRi are arguing that the current trajectory might undermine the very principles of fairness and transparency that should underpin EU lawmaking. This potential shift in regulatory development has significant implications for the future of digital policy in Europe. EDRi, in its formal submission to the Commission, has outlined specific recommendations aimed at fostering improved legal processes. These include calls for more balanced representation of stakeholders, enhanced fairness in consultation processes, and robust safeguards to protect fundamental rights within new legislation. The emphasis is on ensuring that future regulations are not only well-intentioned but also effectively implemented and impactful. The core concern centers on the potential for weakened oversight and accountability within the legislative process, which could disproportionately affect citizens and smaller digital actors. Advocates argue that a less transparent and less representative framework could inadvertently lead to regulations that favor established interests, potentially hindering the growth of European digital sovereignty and innovation. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether these concerns lead to substantive revisions of the Commission's proposals.