Good afternoon.
Lets start with the big picture.
The world is changing rapidly.
We see major shifts in the geopolitical landscape.
This week, a strategic partner voted against a UN resolution condemning Russias aggression against Ukraine.
We must view these developments as a call to action.
The freedoms and values we cherish can no longer be taken for granted.
For the EU, it depends on maintaining and developing our economic base by adapting, innovating, and competing.
In short, we need to build a more competitive Europe.
Today, our colleagues presented the Clean Industrial Deal and an action plan to lower energy prices.
Cutting bureaucracy is crucial for a more competitive Europe.
We cannot compete successfully with one hand tied behind our back.
The past five years have been intense in terms of regulation.
Our commitment to the green transition remains strong but has created significant administrative burdens.
This regulation limits our economic potential.
Today, more than 60% of EU companies see regulation as an investment obstacle.
55% of SMEs see administrative burdens as their biggest challenge.
SMEs make up 99% of all businesses in Europe and are most vulnerable to these burdens.
They are Europes economic engine, for whom we speak and act today.
We remain committed to building a greener and fairer society.
Simplification ensures that EU rules support our goals without hindrance.
Less bureaucracy means more innovation and investment.
It creates new jobs for European workers.
It allows citizens to live and work in any European region.
The proposals help European companies continue investing globally.
The alternative would be losing ground to competitors without shared values.
Thats why weve committed to this simplification agenda.
Lets discuss todays proposals.
Companies and stakeholders emphasize the need for certainty.
Today, we proposed a stop-the-clock to delay CSRD application for companies not yet reporting.
We also proposed delaying the application of CSDDD.
This avoids unnecessary costs for companies.
Well propose fast-track adoption to legislators.
We simplify reporting obligations for companies under CSRD.
We limit the information larger companies can request from smaller ones.
We will review European sustainability reporting standards.
We provide clarity that there will be no future audit cost increases.
In due diligence, we increase harmonization.
We recognize situations requiring attention beyond direct business partners.
We extend intervals for evaluating due diligence measures.
This reduces burdens for companies and their partners.
We move to a proportionate penalty regime.
We exit the EU-wide civil liability regime.
On Taxonomy.
We make reporting more proportionate, only requiring very large companies.
This frees 80% of companies from mandatory reporting.
We simplify the CBAM.
We propose a new threshold eliminating obligations for 90% of importers.
This results in significant savings.
This is a clear example of simplification benefits.
With the second Omnibus, we propose optimizing investment instruments.
This reduces administrative burdens for our partners.
The measures increase investment capacity under InvestEU.
This supports priority policies.
In conclusion, these packages mark a strong start for our simplification agenda.
Expected annual savings are €6.3 billion.
Our next proposals target small mid-caps and farmers.
We are determined to deliver.
Our future depends on action now.
I will stop here. Thank you.