10 März VATM welcomes simplified regulations through the EU Commission’s Omnibus proposal
Brussels, February 26, 2025. Less bureaucracy, more efficiency – this principle underpins the EU Commission’s “Omnibus simplification package”, which will be presented today. With this initiative, the Commission aims to introduce significant simplifications and reduce bureaucratic burden across several European sustainability directives, providing much needed relief for business.
“We strongly welcome the fact that bureaucracy reduction at the European level is not just empty words,” emphasizes VATM Managing Director Dr. Frederic Ufer. VATM has long advocated for fewer and better streamlined reporting requirements in the Corporate Sustainability and Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the EU taxonomy and the German Supply Chain Act.
“Excessive data collection places a significant burden on the economy,” explains Ufer. ”In the telecommunications industry , important resources are tied up, and investments in sustainable networks are often hindered, despite ambitious goals.” The EU Commission has taken a crucial step, but it must now ensure swift and consistent implementation . “Germany should follow this example in the new legislative period,” demands the managing director. With the German economy expected to face its third consecutive year of recession in 2025, facilitating, simplifying and accelerating procedures is essential for country’s digital transformation and growth potential.
However, Ufer warns that national measures must not counteract European simplifications:“It would be counterproductive to cut bureaucracy in the EU while simultaneously introducing new reporting obligations in Germany,” said Ufer. He refers to efforts by the Federal Network Agency to introduce additional sustainability reporting requirements on telecommunications companies. “Such initiatives undermine Germany’s competitiveness and put providers operating in the country at a disadvantage.”
At the same time, Ufer warns that reducing bureaucracy must not be confused with eliminating essential regulation. “Particularly in Germany, where the telecommunications market is still dominated by Deutsche Telekom, ensuring fair competition remains vital,” he emphasizes. A diverse provider landscape, nationwide access seekers as key drivers of competition, and the expansion of the fibre infrastructure all rely on prudent regulation of the former monopoly. “The EU Commission must continue to maintain regulatory oversight of companies with significant market power to preserve fair competition and promote investment,” Ufer concludes.
