Competitiveness and predictability for the operating environment
Food industry is one of the most regulated sectors in the EU. The competitiveness, possibilities for growth and improving the predictability of business environment should be set as starting points for any new legislation.
Member States must be given room for manoeuvre to take account of national special characteristics, and companies must be able to choose the best means of achieving the objectives set. When the regulatory burden is reasonable and transition periods are sufficient this leaves companies with resources for growth and innovation.
Checklist for better regulation
- Thorough preparation and impact assessments, legislation based on scientific facts.
- Flexibility to take into consideration Member State’s characteristics, such as different climatic conditions, soil, geographic location and population density.
- Align new regulation with primary objectives of food production: food safety, food security and security of supply.
- Consider self-regulation and codes of conduct as alternatives for legislation.
- Secure consistent implementation and interpretation in all Member States, with sufficient transitional periods. No extra national legislation on top of EU rules.
- Limit the number of delegated acts, which reduce the predictability of business environment.
- EU to concentrate on major policies leaving room for flexibility in the implementation details.
