MEPs discussed Omnibus proposal and other plans with Commissioner McGrath

MEPs from the Legal Affairs Committee quizzed new Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection Michael McGrath on the upcoming legislative proposals.

On Wednesday afternoon, MEPs of the Legal Affairs Committee welcomed the Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection Michael McGrath at their first committee debate to discuss upcoming legislative plans of the European Commission for support for EU companies and competitiveness, digitalisation of justice, and the rule of law.

Mr McGrath confirmed the European Commission is preparing a Simplification Omnibus proposal to be presented on 26 February with the aim of simplifying sustainable finance, and sustainability due diligence and taxonomy. Michael McGrath confirmed the proposal would take stakeholder concerns into account, and would ensure legal certainty for business while preserving EU sustainability objectives and the EU's objective of becoming a decarbonised economy by 2050. In response to questions by MEPs, the Commissioner said there would be other Simplifications Omnibus proposals in the future targeting other areas.

Coming Commissions proposals will also focus on competitiveness and burden reduction, including the 28th regime reducing barriers across the EU. The proposal should contain a new legal form for companies simplifying formalities. MEPs welcomed the 28th regime and enquired about the possibilities of support for NGOs and to advance progress on the European Cross-Border Associations proposal.

Mr McGrath also aims to improve digitalisation of justice by equipping national justice systems with state-of-the art digital tools, improving efficiency and cutting costs, including the use of the AI. The Commissioner also confirmed that the new Rule of Law Report will include other enlargement countries and a single market dimension. He also wants to strengthen enforcement by organising at least two stakeholder implementation dialogues annually. In response to MEP concerns, the Commissioner committed to making the Rule of Law Report a balanced exercise including all member states.

MEPs asked additional questions about the Commission´s commitment to uphold the Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, about the next steps in the area of intellectual property legislation, especially in relation to small and medium-sized enterprises, protection of media, and the prevention of foreign interference.