They consider that many regulations are unnecessary, costly and complex, with standards that vary too widely between countries. Such legislation reduces competitiveness, stifles the potential for growth, and must be tackled head on. The report highlights areas where action needs to be taken to reduce the costs imposed by existing regulations at all levels - European, national or local. Sometimes these costs are obvious, such as compliance costs. Mostly, however, they are hidden, such as regulations which discourage innovation, increase capital or operating costs, or reduce flexibility.
Companies are clear on the changes they want.
In part they want less regulation. However, mostly they want targeted changes which will improve the quality and the enforcement of existing regulations, and bring standards between countries closer into line. Business also wants improvements in the way regulatory decisions are taken, and it wants to change public attitudes towards government intervention in business, by increasing public awareness of the negative impact of regulations on the economy. Such changes must be made if companies, particularly SMEs, are to fulfil their full potential. The results of the surveys have been produced for individual countries, sectors and company sizes.