Welcome to Better Europe's weekly update on EU Affairs. OMBUDSMAN CHECKS OMNIBUS BLIND SPOT The European Commission is under scrutiny after the European Ombudsman opened an investigation into how the Commission prepared its first Omnibus reform package. The investigation follows a complaint filed on 23 May by eight civil society groups who accuse the Commission of circumventing its own Better Regulation rules. What are their grievances? The Commission failed to conduct a public consultation, an impact assessment, or a check on whether the package aligns with the EU Climate Law. The NGOs also argue that the Commission prioritized industry input over a balanced stakeholder approach. Ombudswoman Teresa Anjinho has asked the Commission to explain how it engaged with stakeholders before proposing the reforms. Her findings, which are expected after her…

Welcome to Better Europe's weekly update on EU Affairs. THE EU’S NEW MOTTO: GROW FIRST, COMPLY LATER In a move seen as a boost for business, but likely to raise eyebrows among environmental and data rights advocates, the Commission this week unveiled a new category of companies, the "small mid-caps", in its fourth “simplification” proposal Omnibus IV. Instead of stretching the SME definitions are previously considered, 38 000 companies in Europe with up to 750 staff and 150 million euro turnover will benefit from major reporting exemptions across eight EU laws. By also applying the current SME exemptions in these laws to “SMCs”, only some 10 000 companies will be left to actually (fully) comply. Internal Market Commissioner Stéphane Séjourné praised the initiative as the EU’s “most significant economic strategy” to date,…

Welcome to Better Europe's weekly update on EU Affairs. FARMERS GET THEIR OWN OMNIBUS TO 'SIMPLIFY' AGRICULTURAL POLICY The Commission’s latest Omnibus package promises €1.5 billion in annual savings for farmers, but critics say the only thing being cut is environmental ambition. Dubbed a simplification of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the proposal relaxes environmental regulations and gives member states more leeway on farm aid. Key changes include raising the flat-rate payment for small farmers from €1,250 to €2,500 and exempting them from several environmental requirements. Protections for peatlands and waterways are now at the discretion of each country, and crisis payments could replace preventive climate measures. Critics warn that the easing of environmental safeguards, designed to protect soil, water, and biodiversity, risks making farms more fragile amid growing climate…

Welcome to Better Europe's weekly update on EU Affairs. WHEN EVERYTHING IS URGENT, NOTHING IS What do shooting wolves, reducing penalties for excessive car emissions, and delaying bank regulation have in common? Well, all three initiatives were on Parliament's plenary agenda in Strasbourg this week, and all three made it through in record speed thanks to the urgent procedure, which allows Parliament to move fast on a Commission proposal when there are "unforeseen developments". In a space of three days, MEPs agreed to use the urgent procedure and waive their right to amend these three legislative initiatives. Because no one could foresee that a wolf would kill a Very Important Pony in Germany three years ago, that a war on European soil would start nine years ago and intensify three…

Welcome to Better Europe's weekly update on EU Affairs. ECB VP: DIGITAL EURO ESSENTIAL FOR EU AUTONOMY It’s an excellent time to push for the EU’s role as a global currency, ECB Vice President Luis de Guindos told MEPs this week. The central banker sees growing threats to Europe’s financial autonomy, so Europe should deepen capital markets, complete the banking union and unify the internal market. And, “with a more integrated approach, the euro can play a bigger role globally”. His remarks come as investors are fleeing the dollar and turning to eurozone assets, a shift that could strengthen the EU’s position as a global safe haven. De Guindos also warned that dependence on U.S. payment systems and dollar-backed stable coins risks undermining Europe’s financial sovereignty. In his view, the…