Brussels cull of EU laws

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 14th Sep 2005

Graham Watson, leader of the 89 European Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament responded warmly to the announcement from the Commission President, José Manuel Barroso, to take a radical look at what sort of laws the European Union should be producing.

"I am pleased that President Barroso is taking the bull by the horns and giving practical effect to a commitment to better regulation", said Watson.

"The Commission, Council and Parliament signed an agreement in 2003 to improve the quality of EU law-making but so far there has been precious little sign of practical steps being taken."

"The battle to win back the hearts and minds of the European public following the collapse of support for the European Constitution in the summer starts here. The Union must interfere less in those areas where it does not bring added value and focus more attention on supranational issues like tackling cross-border crime, international trade, environmental protection and relieving poverty and misery in developing countries."

"However, the Commission is not alone in needing to reduce the regulatory burden. All EU institutions bear a share of responsibility as do the Member States with their gold plating. What we need are pragmatic and sensible European laws, effectively applied and which bring clear benefits to Europe's citizens", he concluded.