The rules that get in the way of progress.
The German startup ecosystem is gaining momentum with 3053 startups founded in 2026, the highest number since 2019. With the right policies - both at the national and the EU level - the upturn could be amplified many times over.
While the EU claims to be enhancing the Single Market, doing business in Germany - the most populous country in the EU - remains heavily burdened by countless small requirements that raise costs for German and EU founders, deterring many small businesses from entering.
As the EU speeds up lawmaking, many Member States - especially smaller ones - are struggling to keep pace due to a lack of manpower and outdated practices. To avoid becoming mere observers, countries must urgently rethink how they work in Brussels - and at home.
The Consumer Choice Center Europe's new report “Wiser regulation” evaluates the Commission's EU rulebook communication, identifies structural flaws in legislative processes, and offers tech-forward, actionable recommendations for EU institutions and member states.
Eurostat's 2025 data show that a lack of technical expertise, data privacy concerns, and legal uncertainty remain the main barriers to the use of AI tools among European businesses, even as most companies recognize AI’s potential value.
While the EU works to simplify data rules and boost Europe’s data economy, the incoming Roadworthiness Package may restrict vehicle data sharing to public authorities only - potentially shutting out private European companies and weakening consumer choice.
As AI grabs the spotlight, Europe’s data economy still powers billions in value, yet fragmented GDPR enforcement continues to hold innovators back. The Digital Omnibus was meant to help, but the EU now risks retreating from even modest reform.
While drones are driving innovation across industries, European agriculture still lags in unlocking their full potential - not for lack of promise, but because regulation keeps that innovation grounded.
Merz and Meloni’s updated Italo-German Plan of Action doubles down on legislative self-restraint, simplification, and better regulation. The real test now is the Omnibus push and a Better Regulation reform.
The world that many generations of Europeans, especially Western Europeans, have been used to is now gone, and a change in perspective is needed. Either we do it willingly, or worsening circumstances will force that change upon us.
US trade officials warned on X that European service providers could face fees and restrictions if the EU keeps “discriminatory” tech rules.
The DFA consultation is structured in a traditionally biased way: supporters of more regulation can justify their view, while dissenters cannot. To uphold Better Regulation principles, the Commission should adopt a neutral, balanced survey design.
Innovation and consumer-centric insights into the EU’s digital policies and initiatives
