Commission Dombrovskis says existing simplification targets already surpass 'one in, two out' principle

In a written answer to a parliamentary question from Jörgen Warborn (PPE), Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission argued that the Commission's existing regulatory simplification efforts already go beyond what a 'one in, two out' rule would achieve. Dombrovskis pointed to the Commission's target of reducing administrative burdens by at least 25% for all companies and at least 35% for SMEs, as well as the Omnibus Simplification Proposals tabled in 2025, which could deliver at least EUR 15 billion in net savings in recurring administrative costs. He stressed that this result is 'significantly more ambitious than any level of savings that would result from a one-in, two-out approach.'

The question, submitted on 6 March 2026, followed a European Parliament vote on 22 January 2026 in which a majority supported applying the 'one in, two out' principle, whereby new regulatory costs must be offset by removing at least twice the equivalent costs elsewhere. Warborn asked how the Commission would reflect Parliament's position in its upcoming communication on better regulation, expected on 28 April 2026, and whether it would incorporate the principle into its broader strategy to reduce burdens and strengthen competitiveness.

Dombrovskis did not commit to adopting the 'one in, two out' principle, instead highlighting the Commission's existing approach. He noted that the Commission introduced a 'one-in, one-out' mechanism in 2022 and has since strengthened its efforts. He also referenced an Action Plan on Regulatory Deep Cleaning, recently announced by President von der Leyen, which will address overlaps, duplications, and inefficiencies, and foster consolidation of legislation in fragmented areas. Implementation dialogues and reality checks are also being used to identify simplification avenues.

The answer signals that the Commission prefers its own target-based approach over a strict 'one in, two out' rule, which could be seen as a divergence from Parliament's position. The upcoming communication on better regulation, expected on 28 April 2026, will likely provide further details on the Commission's strategy. The Council is also expected to discuss regulatory simplification, and the Commission's stance may influence the outcome of those discussions.