European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has adopted a decision amending the tasks of the Regulatory Scrutiny Board (RSB) to enhance evidence-informed policymaking, expanding the scope of initiatives subject to impact assessments. The amendment, published on 28 April 2026 under reference P(2026)1, updates Decision P(2020)2 and aims to improve the quality of draft impact assessment reports and other evaluation documents across the Commission.
Expanded mandate for impact assessments
The RSB, an independent body within the Commission, will now assess a broader range of policy initiatives, including urgent and targeted measures, ensuring that even fast-track proposals undergo rigorous scrutiny. The Board will continue to provide opinions and recommendations for improvement, as well as advisory support on methodological issues related to the Better Regulation Guidelines. This move is part of the Commission's ongoing efforts to strengthen the quality of EU legislation and ensure that decisions are based on solid evidence.
Updated institutional references
The decision also updates references from the former "Vice-President for Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight" to the current "Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification," reflecting the new Commission structure under von der Leyen's second term. This change aligns the RSB's reporting lines with the current portfolio responsible for better regulation and simplification.
Impact on stakeholders
- EU regulatory bodies: The RSB's enhanced role may lead to more thorough and consistent impact assessments, potentially improving the quality of EU legislation but also increasing the Board's workload. - National authorities of EU countries: Member states may benefit from better-prepared legislative proposals, but could face tighter timelines if urgent initiatives are subject to expedited scrutiny. - EU producers and businesses: Companies may see more predictable and evidence-based regulatory changes, though the expanded scope of impact assessments could introduce delays for urgent measures. - EU civil society and NGOs: Greater emphasis on evidence-informed policymaking could lead to more transparent and justified regulations, but the inclusion of urgent measures might limit public consultation opportunities.
Institutional follow-up
The decision is an internal Commission act and does not require approval from the European Parliament or the Council. However, the strengthened RSB may influence future legislative proposals, which will subsequently be debated by the co-legislators. The Commission is expected to report on the implementation of the amended decision in its annual Better Regulation reports.
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