The document was signed, apart from Donald Tusk, by, among others: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The joint letter – as its authors point out – is intended to be a response to the deteriorating economic situation and growing regulatory burdens in EU countries.
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State leaders appeal to the EU for important reforms. Here's what they proposed
“Europe is losing competitiveness. A change of course is needed – not a small one, but a fundamental one. Maintaining competitiveness is the foundation of our sovereignty” wrote the leaders, citing the recommendations contained in a report prepared by former Italian Prime Minister and former President of the European Central Bank, Mario Draghi.
The signatories of the letter proposed that the process of reforming EU regulations should be based on three principles: “review, reduction, restraint.” In their opinion, The European Commission should regularly analyze applicable legal acts, remove obsolete or excessively burdensome provisions, and at the same time limit the pace of introducing new regulations.
The document included an appeal for streamlining administrative processes and better use of digitalization in EU institutions. “When it comes to introducing a new product to the market, building a factory or expanding energy networks – The European Commission must quickly present initiatives to speed up planning and approval procedures” – emphasized in the letter.
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Leaders also called for modernization of EU competition law, shortening state aid procedures and facilitating facilities for small and medium-sized enterprisesamong others by limiting reporting obligations and reviewing personal data protection regulations (GDPR).
There was a proposal for an EU summit on reforms
The letter also included a proposal to convene a special European Council summit on competitiveness in February 2026 to assess progress in implementing Draghi's recommendations. By the end of 2025, the European Commission would prepare a detailed review of regulations and a plan to remove unnecessary provisions.
“We must act faster. Slowing down is not an option,” EU leaders concluded their appeal.
