On 17 February 2025, POLITICO published an article “How von der Leyen blindsided Brussels with her deregulation drive”, which sparked a debate in the EU on how European Commission’s President Ursula von der Leyen has launched a fast-tracked deregulation agenda aimed at boosting industrial competitiveness.

Introduced in November, the strategy includes sweeping “omnibus” bills to simplify EU rules. While business groups and some member states welcome the move, critics warn of reduced transparency and weakened environmental protections. Many policymakers were reportedly caught off guard by the speed and centralised nature of the initiative, signalling a shift in EU priorities from environmental sustainability to economic growth.

This deregulation drive could have serious implication. A shift towards reducing bureaucratic hurdles may accelerate industrial projects, streamline permitting processes, and lower compliance costs for energy and turbomachinery companies. However, it also raises questions about the potential impact on environmental standards, long-term energy policies, and investment stability. If the EU prioritises economic growth over sustainability, funding and regulatory support for clean energy initiatives could be affected.

You can find POLITICO’s article here.