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EU’s Deregulation Debate: How Von der Leyen’s Shift Signals a New Approach to Legislative Reform

EU Commission navigates deregulation. Von der Leyen’s words shift stance. Simplification is the key, not deregulation.

October 6, 2025, 4:09 PM

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaks at a press conference with the EU flag visible

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaks at a press conference in Brussels, with the European Union flag visible in the background. By photoibo / Shutterstock.com.

Executive Summary

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has begun explicitly using “deregulation” alongside “simplification” to stimulate growth, marking a potential shift in the bloc’s legislative reform language.

The European Commission’s spokesperson maintains that its “simplification” efforts do not equate to “deregulation” and will not alter objectives or eliminate existing environmental or social standards.

The term “deregulation” faces historical opposition from unions and leftist groups in Brussels due to fears it could undermine workers’ rights and social protections.

The Story So Far

The European Commission is attempting to stimulate economic growth and private investment through legislative reform, but faces a delicate balance in its approach. This is because Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has recently begun using the term “deregulation” alongside “simplification,” a departure from previous official denials that the terms are synonymous. The word “deregulation” is highly sensitive in Brussels, having historically met strong opposition from unions and leftist political groups who associate it with the 2008 financial crisis and fear it could undermine essential workers’ rights, social protections, and environmental standards.

Why This Matters

The European Commission’s careful linguistic tightrope walk between “deregulation” and “simplification” highlights the deep political sensitivities surrounding economic reform within the EU, as it attempts to boost growth and investment without alienating stakeholders who fear a rollback of social, environmental, and worker protections. This delicate balance suggests that future legislative reforms will be scrutinized closely for their potential impact on existing EU standards, influencing their political viability and public acceptance.

Who Thinks What?

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently stated that “simplification” and “deregulation” are both needed at European and national levels to stimulate growth and private investment.

Other European Commission officials, including spokesperson Arianna Podestà and Economy Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis, maintain that the Commission’s focus is on “simplification,” which is not synonymous with “deregulation,” and will not undermine existing EU standards, environmental regulations, or lead to a “race to the bottom.”

Unions and leftist political groups in Brussels historically oppose “deregulation,” fearing it could undermine workers’ rights, social protections, and is associated with the 2008 financial crisis.

The European Commission is navigating a semantic tightrope regarding its legislative reform agenda, following Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s recent emphasis on “deregulation” to stimulate growth and private investment. This marks a notable shift from previous official denials that the bloc’s “simplification” efforts are synonymous with deregulation, a term long viewed with suspicion by various stakeholders.

Commission’s Shifting Language

Von der Leyen explicitly stated last week that “we all agree we need simplification, we need deregulation” at both European and national levels. This statement prompted questions about a potential change in the Commission’s long-held position on legislative streamlining.

On Monday, Commission deputy spokesperson Arianna Podestà addressed journalists’ inquiries but refrained from confirming any change in the Commission’s approach. Podestà asserted that “the focus of this Commission has been on simplification” and declined to equate “simplification” with “deregulation,” citing a lack of expertise in the English language.

Podestà further clarified that the Commission’s work on simplification does not alter its objectives or seek to eliminate existing environmental regulations. She referenced another speech by von der Leyen, delivered in Italy on Friday, where the Commission President discussed easing bureaucracy through “simplifying,” specifically stating it should not be achieved “by tearing down our legislation.” In that particular address, von der Leyen notably omitted the term “deregulation.”

Historical Context and Concerns

The concept of “deregulation” has historically met with strong opposition from unions and leftist political groups in Brussels. These concerns stem from its perceived association with the 2008 financial crisis and fears that it could undermine workers’ rights and social protections.

Economy Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis previously underscored this distinction in July, stating, “Simplification is not about deregulation.” He emphasized that the Commission is “not in the business of undermining the EU’s high standards or engaging in any kind of race to the bottom.”

Outlook on Legislative Reform

The ongoing discourse highlights the Commission’s delicate balance in pursuing legislative efficiency while reassuring stakeholders that essential EU standards and protections will remain intact. The careful choice of language reflects the political sensitivities surrounding reforms aimed at boosting the bloc’s economic competitiveness.