Reducing excessive bureaucracy could play a key role in strengthening Europe’s security, says Civic Platform MEP Michał Szczerba. Clear and simplified regulations would allow for greater engagement of public-private partnerships, particularly in critical areas like ammunition production. The first essential step, he argues, is a comprehensive review of all existing legislation and the elimination of legal barriers that hinder rapid action in emergency situations.
“Security and competitiveness are linked. To improve competitiveness, we must reduce bureaucracy. Poland took the first step by forming a deregulation task force, led by Rafał Brzoska. This clearly shows the connection between increasing production — such as ammunition — and being open to the private sector. Public-private partnerships must move beyond being buzzwords and become a reality. We need legal frameworks that allow swift action,” Szczerba told Newseria.
Entrepreneurs Lead Deregulation Efforts
In February, Prime Minister Donald Tusk invited entrepreneurs to submit their own proposals for deregulating the Polish economy. The task force, headed by InPost founder Rafał Brzoska, received over 13,000 suggestions via its public website, covering everything from tax simplification and healthcare to national security and EU regulation.
At a meeting with the task force on March 23, the prime minister announced that 111 proposals had been forwarded to the government, and 90% of the reviewed recommendations are either being implemented or are under discussion. The government aims for the first effects to be visible as early as May.
“We in the European Parliament are also open to conducting such a review. If Polish entrepreneurs identify barriers in EU law that prevent cooperation — for instance, in the defense sector — we’re ready to initiate legislative changes,” added Szczerba.
EU Sets Goals for Cutting Red Tape
The European Commission has already declared its intention to simplify EU laws to lower costs for businesses. In June 2024, decisions are expected that will reduce operating costs for SMEs by 30%. The first package of proposals, Omnibus 1, targets a 25% reduction in administrative burdens overall, and 35% for small and medium-sized enterprises. New legislation will aim to be simpler, clearer, and easier to implement.
Before the end of the current Commission’s term, work will focus on 11 key proposals to cut red tape and streamline regulations. Planned audits will identify opportunities to reduce business costs. Prime Minister Tusk has already confirmed that 40 legal acts have been withdrawn by the Commission.
Urgency Amid Pre-War Conditions in Europe
“We are in an extraordinary situation in Europe — essentially a pre-war state. The aggressor who attacked Ukraine hasn’t said the last word yet. We need regulations that enable the private sector to quickly enter into cooperation with the largely state-controlled defense industry — to increase production, deliver more ammunition, and ensure we are fully armed,” warns Szczerba.
The Draghi Report highlighted structural weaknesses in Europe’s defense tech and industrial base (EDTIB), including fragmentation, underinvestment in public defense, and limited access to financing. These issues undermine the EU’s ability to boost defense capabilities.
As part of its ReArm Europe plan, the EU intends to allocate €800 billion over the next four years for defense development. This includes €150 billion in loans to member states for purchasing modern weaponry and upgrading military infrastructure.
“There’s a strong connection between ensuring national governments and EU institutions have sufficient funds for defense-related spending and the condition of the broader economy. Trade wars — like Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs — are another looming threat. We must respond appropriately but also create new opportunities for economic growth through simplification and deregulation,” concludes Michał Szczerba.
