Simplification in Focus as D9+ Met in Luxembourg

Regulatory simplification, digital sovereignty, and European competitiveness were at the center of discussions when ministers and business representatives from the D9+ countries met in Luxembourg. The message from the business community was clear: the focus must be on simplifying and implementing existing rules—not creating new ones.

At a crucial stage in the EU’s work on the Digital Simplification Package, ministers from the D9+ countries gathered recently in Luxembourg. Topics on the agenda included digital (open) sovereignty, regulatory simplification, the upcoming Digital Fairness Act (DFA), and the protection of minors online.

Business organisations within the B9+ group also participated in the meeting, with the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise representing Sweden. During the meeting, B9+ presented the its joint declaration, which places a strong emphasis on simplification and better implementation of existing legislation.

The declaration comes against the backdrop of developments within the Council that risk slowing Europe’s competitiveness and capacity for innovation. Rather than introducing additional regulations, the business community is calling for a stronger focus on implementing the rules that are already in place.

B9+ welcomes the European Commission’s proposal for digital simplification and views it as a step in the right direction. However, it stresses that much more needs to be done to reduce the administrative burden on businesses and strengthen Europe’s competitiveness.

Another key message in the declaration concerns digital sovereignty. Europe needs to enhance its resilience and security, but without closing itself off from the rest of the world. Smart digital sovereignty is built on openness, innovation, and international cooperation, while at the same time safeguarding Europe’s strategic interests.