EUROPEAN
COMMISSION

Brussels, 27.5.2020
COM(2020) 440 final
ANNEXES 1 to 2

ANNEXES
to the
COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN
PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL
COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

Adjusted Commission Work Programme 2020

EN

EN

Annex I: New initiatives1
No.

Policy objective

Initiatives

Status /
Change2

A European Green Deal
1.

The European Green Deal

Communication on the European Green Deal (non-legislative, Q4 2019);
European Climate Law enshrining the 2050 climate neutrality objective (legislative, Article 192(1) TFEU, Q1
2020);
The European Climate Pact (non-legislative, Q3 2020)

adopted
adopted

European Green Deal Investment Plan (non-legislative, Q1 2020);
Just Transition Fund (legislative, Article 175 TFEU, Q1 2020);
Renewed Sustainable Finance Strategy (non-legislative, Q3 2020);
Review of the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (legislative, incl. impact assessment, Article 114 TFEU, Q4
2020)

adopted
adopted
Q4 2020
Q1 2021

Q4 2020

2.

Financing the sustainable transition

3.

Commission contribution to COP26 in 2030 Climate Target Plan (non-legislative, incl. impact assessment, Q3 2020);
New EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change (non-legislative, Q4 2020);
Glasgow
New EU Forest Strategy (non-legislative, Q4 2020)

4.

Sustainability of food systems

‘Farm to Fork’ Strategy (non-legislative, Q1 2020)

adopted

5.

Decarbonising energy

Strategy for smart sector integration (non-legislative, Q2 2020);
Renovation wave (non-legislative, Q3 2020);
Offshore renewable energy (non-legislative, Q4 2020)

Q2 2020
Q3 2020
Q4 2020

6.

Sustainable production and consumption

New Circular Economy Action Plan (non-legislative, Q1 2020);
Empowering the consumer for the green transition (legislative, incl. impact assessment, Article 114 TFEU, Q4
2020)

adopted
Q2 2021

7.

Protecting our environment

EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 (non-legislative, Q1 2020);
8th Environmental Action Programme (legislative, Article 192(3) TFEU, Q2 2020);
Chemicals strategy for sustainability (non-legislative, Q3 2020)

adopted
Q4 2020
Q3 2020

Q3 2020
Q1 2021
Q1 2021

1

In this annex, the Commission provides further information, as far as available, on the initiatives included in its Work Programme, in line with the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Lawmaking. This information, which is provided in brackets next to each initiative, is indicative only and subject to change during the preparatory process, notably in view of the outcome of an
impact assessment process.

2

Whereas the column ‘initiatives’ contains the initial planned adoption dates included in the 2020 Commission Work Programme as adopted on 29 January 2020, this column contains the
current, potentially revised planning. Timing in italics indicate a change, regular font indicates that the original timing has not changed.
1

No.
8.

Policy objective

Initiatives

Sustainable and smart mobility

Status /
Change2

Strategy for sustainable and smart mobility (non-legislative, Q4 2020);
ReFuelEU Aviation - Sustainable Aviation Fuels (legislative, incl. impact assessment, Article 100(2) TFEU and/or
Article 192(1) TFEU, Q4 2020);
FuelEU Maritime - Green European Maritime Space (legislative, incl. impact assessment, Article 100(2) TFEU
and/or Article 192(1) TFEU, Q4 2020)

Q4 2020
Q4 2020

A Strategy for Europe - Fit for the Digital Age (non-legislative, Q1 2020), together with ex-ante competition tool
(legislative, incl. impact assessment, Articles 103 and 114 TFEU, Q4 2020);
Digital Education Action Plan (update) (non-legislative, Q2 2020)

adopted,
Q4 2020
Q3 2020

Q4 2020

A Europe Fit for the Digital Age
9.

.Europe fit for the digital age

10. A European
Intelligence

approach

to

Artificial White Paper on Artificial Intelligence (non-legislative, Q1 2020);
European Strategy for Data (non-legislative, Q1 2020);
Follow-up to the White Paper on Artificial Intelligence, including on safety, liability, fundamental rights and
data (legislative, incl. impact assessment, Article 114 TFEU, Q4 2020)

adopted
adopted
Q1 2021

11. Digital services

Digital Services Act (legislative, incl. impact assessment, Article 114 TFEU, Q4 2020)

12. Increasing cybersecurity

Review of the Directive on security of network and information systems (NIS Directive) (legislative, incl. impact Q4 2020
assessment, Article 114 TFEU, Q4 2020)

13. Digital for consumers

Common chargers for mobile phones and similar devices (legislative, incl. impact assessment, Article 114 TFEU, Q1 2021
Q3 2020);
Review of the Roaming Regulation (legislative, incl. impact assessment, Article 114 TFEU, Q4 2020)
Q1 2021

14. .A new industrial strategy for Europe

Industrial Strategy (non-legislative, Q1 2020);
Single Market Barriers Report (non-legislative, Q1 2020);
Single Market Enforcement Action Plan (non-legislative, Q1 2020);
SME Strategy (non-legislative, Q1 2020);
White Paper on an Instrument on Foreign Subsidies (non-legislative, Q2 2020)

adopted
adopted
adopted
adopted
Q2 2020

15. Aviation services package

Revision of airport charges (legislative, incl. impact assessment, Article 100(2) TFEU, Q4 2020);
Revision of the provision of air services (legislative, incl. impact assessment, Article 100(2) TFEU, Q4 2020)

Q4 2020
Q4 2020

16. Towards a European Research Area

Communication on the Future of Research and Innovation and the European Research Area (non-legislative,
Q2 2020);
Communication on Horizon Europe research and innovation missions (non-legislative, Q4 2020)

Q3 2020

Action Plan on FinTech including a Strategy on an Integrated EU Payments Market (non-legislative, Q3 2020);
Proposal on Crypto Assets (legislative, incl. impact assessment, Article 114 TFEU, Q3 2020);
Cross-sectoral financial services act on operational and cyber resilience (legislative, incl. impact assessment,
Article 114 TFEU, Q3 2020)

Q3 2020
Q3 2020
Q3 2020

17. Digital finance

Q4 2020

Q4 2020

2

No.

Policy objective

Initiatives

Status /
Change2

An Economy that Works for People
18. Social Europe

A Strong Social Europe for Just Transitions (non-legislative, Q1 2020);
Fair minimum wages for workers in the EU (Articles 153(1)b, 153(2) and 154 TFEU, Q1/Q3 2020);
Reinforcing the Youth Guarantee (non-legislative, Q2 2020);
European Unemployment Reinsurance Scheme (legislative, incl. impact assessment, Q4 2020)

adopted

19. Economic Governance

Review of the Economic Governance Framework (non-legislative, Q1 2020)

adopted

20. Deepening the Capital Markets Union

Action Plan on the Capital Markets Union (non-legislative, Q3 2020);
Review of the regulatory framework for investment firms and market operators (MiFIDII and MiFIR),
(legislative, incl. impact assessment, Articles 53(1) and 114(1) TFEU, Q3 2020);
Review of the Benchmark Regulation (legislative, incl. impact assessment, Article 114 (1) TFEU, Q3 2020)

Q4 2020
Q3 2020

Q1/Q4 2020

Q2 2020
temporary
instrument
adopted

Q3 2020
21. Completing the Banking Union

Action Plan on Anti-Money Laundering (non-legislative, Q1 2020);
Review of the Capital Requirements legislation (legislative, incl. impact assessment, Articles 114 TFEU (CRR)
and 53 TFEU (CRD), Q2 2020)

adopted
Q4 2020

22. Effective taxation

Business Taxation for the 21st century (non-legislative, Q2 2020);
Action Plan to fight tax evasion and to make taxation simple and easy (legislative and non-legislative, incl.
impact assessment, Articles 113 and 115 TFEU, Q2 2020), including tax good governance in the EU and beyond
(non-legislative, Q3 2020) and revision of the Directive on automatic exchange of information (legislative,
Articles 113 and 115 TFEU, Q3 2020)

Q4 2020
Q3 2020

23. Customs Union Package

Action Plan on the Customs Union (non-legislative, Q2 2020);
Proposal on Customs Single Window (legislative, incl. impact assessment, Articles 33 and 114 TFEU, Q3 2020)

Q3 2020
Q4 2020

24. International cooperation

Signature and conclusion of the Agreement between the EU and the countries of Africa, the Caribbean and the
Pacific (legislative, Articles 217 and 218 TFEU, Q3 2020)

Q3 2020

25. Financial sovereignty

Strengthening Europe’s Economic and Financial Sovereignty (non-legislative, Q3 2020)

Q4 2020

26. Africa Strategy

Towards a comprehensive Strategy with Africa (non-legislative, Q1 2020)

adopted

27. Enlargement

Enhancing the accession process – A credible EU perspective for the Western Balkans (non-legislative, Q1
2020);
Stepping up our engagement with the Western Balkans – The Commission’s contribution to the EU-Western
Balkans Summit (non-legislative, Q2 2020)

adopted

A Stronger Europe in the World

adopted /
Q4 2020
3

No.

Policy objective

28. Eastern Partnership

Initiatives

Status /
Change2

Eastern Partnership post 2020 (non-legislative, Q1 2020)

adopted

29. Human Rights, Democracy and Gender Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy (2020-2024) (legislative and non-legislative, Q1 2020);
EU Action Plan on Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in External Relations for 2021-2025 (nonEquality
legislative, Q4 2020)

adopted
Q4 2020

30. Trade policy

Trade policy review, including WTO reform initiative (non-legislative, Q4 2020)

Q4 2020

31. Fostering skills, education and inclusion

Updated Skills Agenda for Europe (non-legislative, Q1 2020);
Achieving the European Education Area (non-legislative, Q3 2020);
Action Plan on Integration and Inclusion (non-legislative, Q4 2020)

Q3 2020
Q3 2020
Q4 2020

32. A New Pact on Migration and Asylum

A New Pact on Migration and Asylum and accompanying legal proposals (non-legislative and legislative,
Articles 78 and 79 TFEU, Q1 2020)

Q2 2020

33. Fostering Europe’s security

A new Security Union Strategy (non-legislative, Q2 2020);
Strengthening of Europol’s mandate (legislative, incl. impact assessment, Article 88 TFEU, Q4 2020);
Proposal for additional measures on Critical Infrastructure Protection (legislative, incl. impact assessment, Q4
2020);
A New EU Strategy towards the Eradication of Trafficking in Human Beings (non-legislative, Q4 2020);
EU Strategy for a more effective fight against child sexual abuse (non-legislative, Q2 2020)

Q3 2020
Q4 2020
Q4 2020

Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan (non-legislative, Q4 2020);
A Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe (non-legislative, Q4 2020)

Q4 2020
Q4 2020

A new Consumer Agenda (non-legislative, Q4 2020)

Q4 2020

Promoting our European Way of Life

34. Protecting health

Q1 2021
Q3 2020

A New Push for European Democracy
35. Consumer agenda

36. Addressing the impact of demographic Report on the Impact of Demographic Change (non-legislative, Q1 2020);
Green Paper on Ageing (non-legislative, Q4 2020)
change

Q2 2020
2021

37. Equality and non-discrimination
initiatives

European Gender Equality Strategy (non-legislative, Q1 2020), followed by binding pay transparency measures
(legislative, incl. impact assessment, Article 157 TFEU, Q4 2020);
LGBTI Equality Strategy (non-legislative, Q4 2020);
Post 2020 EU Framework on Roma Equality and Inclusion Strategies (non-legislative, Q4 2020)

adopted,
Q4 2020
Q4 2020
Q4 2020

38. Democracy

Disinformation – getting the facts right / European Democracy Action Plan (non-legislative and legislative, incl. Q2/Q4
impact assessment, Articles 224 and 114 TFEU, Q4 2020)
2020

39. Future of Europe

Shaping the Conference on the Future of Europe (non-legislative, Q1 2020)

adopted

4

No.

Policy objective

Initiatives

Status /
Change2

40. Rule of Law

2020 Annual Rule of Law Report (non-legislative, Q3 2020)

Q3 2020

41. Fundamental rights

New Strategy for the Implementation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights (non-legislative, Q4 2020);
EU Strategy for Victims’ Rights (non-legislative, Q2 2020);
Report on the application of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (non-legislative, Q2 2020);
Alignment of relevant Union law enforcement rules with regard to data protection (non-legislative, Q2 2020)

Q4 2020
Q2 2020
Q2 2020
Q2 2020

42. Better Regulation

Communication on Better Regulation (non-legislative, Q2 2020)

Q4 2020

43. Foresight

2020 Annual Foresight Report (non-legislative, Q2 2020)

Q3 2020

5

Annex II: REFIT initiatives3

No.

Simplification objective / potential (short explanation of the REFIT objective of the revisions, and
simplification potential for evaluations and fitness checks)

Title

A European Green Deal

3

1.

Evaluation of marketing standards (contained in the single The evaluation of marketing standards will help to assess the coherence between the various pieces of
Common Market Organisation (CMO) Regulation, the ‘breakfast legislation as well as to identify potential for simplification. The evaluation's results might serve as a
basis for the reflection on the need for regulatory changes related to marketing standards.
directives’ and CMO secondary legislation)

2.

Evaluation of Geographical Indications
Specialities Guaranteed protected in the EU

3.

Revision of the Guidelines on certain State aid measures in the Member States can compensate some electro-intensive users for part of the higher electricity costs
context of the greenhouse gas emission allowance trading scheme resulting from the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. The objective of such compensation is to minimise
carbon leakage risk, which materialises when emission costs cause relocation from the EU to third
post-2020
countries without comparable constraints. The existing rules allowing for compensation will be revised
to ensure that they are adapted to the new Emissions Trading Scheme for the period 2021-2030. (nonlegislative, incl. impact assessment, Q4 2020)

4.

Revision of the Trans-European Energy Networks (TEN-E) This initiative will ensure that the TEN-E Regulation is fully in line with the European Green Deal and
the Union’s long-term decarbonisation objectives while contributing to sector and market integration,
Regulation
security of supply and competition. (legislative, incl. impact assessment, Articles 170-171 TFEU, Q4
2020)

5.

Evaluation of Directive 2011/65/EU on the restriction of the use of The evaluation of the ROHS Directive will assess its effectiveness and efficiency in terms of the
certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic procedure for adopting substance restrictions and granting exemptions to restrictions. It will also assess
its coherence with and relevance to other EU legislation, in particular, in light of the evaluations of
equipment (ROHS)
REACH and Ecodesign Directive.

6.

Evaluation of Directive 2000/53/EU on end-of-life vehicles (ELV)

and

Traditional The evaluation of geographical indications and traditional specialities guarantees will help to assess the
coherence between the various pieces of the legal framework for EU quality schemes and will provide
the opportunity to consider the need for its improvement (modernisation, simplification and
streamlining). Its results might serve as basis to reflect on the need for regulatory changes related to EU
quality schemes.

The evaluation of the ELV Directive will assess its effectiveness, efficiency, coherence with other
legislation and relevance in light of the wider policy objectives on circular economy, plastics, resource
efficiency, raw materials etc.

This annex sets out the most significant revisions, evaluations and Fitness Checks the Commission will undertake, including evaluation work to follow up the Opinions of the REFIT Platform.
They will be finalised by the end of 2020, apart from those initiatives marked with an asterix, which will be finalised at a later stage.
6

No.

Title

Simplification objective / potential (short explanation of the REFIT objective of the revisions, and
simplification potential for evaluations and fitness checks)

7.

Evaluation of the Directive 2010/75/EU on industrial emissions The evaluation of the IED Directive will assess its effectiveness, efficiency, EU added-value, coherence
with other legislation and relevance to address important (agro) industrial sources of air, water and soil
(IED)
pollution.

8.

Fitness check of EU rules against illegal logging (EU Timber The fitness check will assess the effectiveness, efficiency, coherence, relevance and the EU added-value
Regulation, Regulation (EU) No 995/2010 and EU FLEGT of the both regulations in contributing to the fight against illegal logging globally. The lessons learnt
from the fitness check will be useful for the assessment of demand side measures for other commodities.
Regulation (EC) No 2173/200)

9.

Revision of the EU Battery Directive

10.

Fitness Check on the relevant EU legislation on endocrine Endocrine disruptors are substances that alter the functioning of the endocrine (hormonal) system and
negatively affect the health of humans or animals. A variety of EU measures regulates these substances.
disruptors
The fitness check will assess whether these measures deliver the overall objective to protect human
health and the environment. It will assess the coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, relevance and EU
added-value of EU legislation, with emphasis on coherence across the chemicals acquis.

11.

Revision of the Marketing standards Regulation applicable to This revision will simplify the legal set-up: one (EU) Regulation will replace three regulations currently
covering also aquaculture products, transparency and consumer information. (legislative, incl. impact
fishery and aquaculture products in the EU*
assessment, Article 43 TFEU, Common Fisheries Policy, Q1 2021)

12.

Evaluation of Regulation 913/2010 concerning a European rail
network for competitive freight
(Rail Freight Corridor Regulation)

Increasing freight transport by rail is a key element of EU policy to reduce transport CO 2 emissions, but
it is facing difficulties. The Regulation on rail freight corridors aims to improve cooperation and
coordination along a number of corridors with particular potential for developing international rail
freight.
Regulation (EU) 913/2010 concerning a European rail network for competitive freight has entered into
force in 2010, and nine rail freight corridors were established, with two more corridors added later. The
aim of this evaluation is to provide a complete overview of the implementation of the Regulation as well
as an assessment of its effects. It will be useful to determine what further action at EU level is needed to
boost rail freight.

13.

Evaluation of Directive 2009/128/EC on the Sustainable Use of
Pesticides

This evaluation will look, inter alia, at the progress achieved by the Directive in reducing dependency
on pesticides and stimulating the take-up of low-risk and non-chemical alternatives to pesticides.
Simplification potential will also be considered, for example concerning the rules for inspection of
pesticides application equipment and new official control rules.

14.

Evaluation of the EU Animal Welfare Strategy (2012-2015)

This evaluation will look at the extent to which the EU Animal Welfare Strategy has contributed to
simplifying the EU animal welfare framework and at the remaining scope for simplification, having
regard to the evolution of needs in this area.

As concluded by the evaluation/implementation reports of the Batteries Directive, the revision should
aim to better factor in circularity, improve sustainability and keep pace with technological
developments. This is foreseen also in the Batteries Strategic Action Plan. Following the conclusions of
the reports on the Directive, the initiative will modify the Directive or a proposal for a new Regulation
repealing the Directive will be prepared, to notably encompass end-of-life and sustainability
requirements. (legislative, incl. impact assessment; Q4 2020)

7

No.

Title

Simplification objective / potential (short explanation of the REFIT objective of the revisions, and
simplification potential for evaluations and fitness checks)

15.

Evaluation on authorisation of plant protection products and
maximum residue levels for pesticides4

This evaluation covers the implementation and functioning of Regulation 1107/2009 on plant protection
products and Regulation 396/2005 on maximum residue levels in all Member States since their
applicability in June 2011 and September 2008, respectively. It proposes possible ways to enhance the
implementation of the Regulations in order to simplify or strengthen the current regulatory framework,
e.g. to address delays and increase transparency, improve the zonal system for authorisation and mutual
recognition of authorisations, promote sustainable plant protection, low risk solutions and efficient risk
mitigation, as well as to increase coherence and consistency between the Regulations and other EU
legislation.
The evaluation looks also into the issues raised in the REFIT Platform opinion XI.10.a on Multiple
use/Multiple source substances – Chlorate adopted on 7/6/2017 and in the REFIT Platform opinion
XI.22.a on the registration of plant protection products – adopted on 14/03/2019.

16.

Evaluation of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 on nutrition and
health claims made on food with regard to nutrient profiles and
health claims made on plants and their preparations and of the
general regulatory framework for their use in foods4

This evaluation looks at the issue raised by the REFIT Platform Opinion XI.11.a-b on the establishment
of nutrient profiles. The evaluation assessed the impacts of the current situation (where no nutrient
profiles exist at EU level). It looks at whether nutrient profiles are still fit for their purpose, warranted
and adequate to ensure the objectives of the Claims Regulation. The results of this evaluation are also
awaited to address the issues raised on Traditional Herbal Medicines Products Directive by businesses,
as included in the REFIT Platform opinion XI.6.a-b.

17.

Evaluation of Food Contact Materials

This evaluation scrutinises all aspects of the current EU food contact materials legislation, including the
effectiveness of the declaration of compliance, which is currently required for specific measures at EU
level. On the basis of this evaluation, the Commission will consider if further measures are necessary at
EU level, including consideration of different issues such as the one raised by the REFIT Platform
Opinion XI.1a, which recommends a common European requirement for a declaration of compliance for
all types of food contact materials.

18.

River information services (RIS) make use of information and communication technology (ICT) to
Evaluation of the Directive 2005/44/EC on harmonised river
information services (RIS) on inland waterways in the Community support safety, efficiency and environmental friendliness of inland waterway transport. The RIS
Directive provides a framework for minimum requirements and technical specifications for the
provision and implementation of RIS to assure harmonisation, interoperability and cross-border
compatibility of Member States’ RIS systems for waterways of class IV or above. The evaluation looks
at the Directive’s implementation and at the sector’s recent organisational and technological
developments, particularly of digital technologies. It also assesses potential areas for simplification in
the process through which updates to the technical specifications under the Directive are being
conceived.

A Europe fit for the Digital Age

4

The evaluation was published on 20 May 2020.
8

Simplification objective / potential (short explanation of the REFIT objective of the revisions, and
simplification potential for evaluations and fitness checks)

No.

Title

19.

Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the
Council on the Application of Regulation (EU) 910/2014 on
electronic identification and trust services for electronic
transactions in the internal market (eIDAS Regulation)

20.

Review of the Broadband Cost Reduction Directive (Directive The review aims to reduce unnecessary and costly administrative burden, which can significantly deter
and delay network deployment. It aims to improve further the current measure by simplifying permits
2014/61/EU)
and procedures or by making the engineering works more agile by improving coordination with other
infrastructures (roads, energy, etc.). This can represent an important opportunity for new legislation to
reduce overall administrative burdens in the sector.

21.

Review of the Regulation on the internal market and cross-border The Commission will report on the evaluation of this Regulation to the European Parliament, the
Council and the European Economic and Social Committee. The Commission will take into account the
e-commerce (Geo-Blocking)
overall impact of the Regulation on the internal market and cross-border e-commerce, including, in
particular, the potential additional administrative and financial burden for traders stemming from the
existence of different applicable regulatory consumer contract law regimes.

22.

Revision for the Recommendation on the digitisation and online The on-going evaluation assesses one of the main policy instruments on digitisation, online access and
accessibility of cultural material and digital preservation digital preservation of cultural heritage material with the objective to gather stakeholders views on a
possible update to better reflect today’s public needs in this area, and increase the potential of Europe’s
(2011/711/EU) *
cultural
heritage
for
the
benefit
of
citizens.
The revision will look at these aspects in line with current technology trends and the needs of the sector.

23.

Fitness check of 2012 State aid modernisation package, railways Due to the State aid modernisation, today, 96% of new implemented aid measures are in the hands of
national authorities. This allows more rapid implementation by the Member States and the focus of State
guidelines and short term export credit insurance
aid control being more "big on big things and small on small things". The ongoing fitness check seeks,
among others, to assess to what extent the current regime has contributed to achieving a reduction of the
administrative burden and whether there is a further potential for streamlining and simplifying State aid
rules.

24.

Evaluation of the Vertical Block Exemption Regulation

The Commission shall report on the application of Regulation (EU) 910/2014 to the European
Parliament and the Council by 1 July 2020, as required by Article 49 of the Regulation. The report will
assess to what extent the eIDAS framework remains fit for purpose delivering the intended outcomes,
results and impacts and may identify possible further actions to improve regulatory performance. The
Commission will conduct an evaluation in line with the Better Regulation guidelines, also involving a
public and a targeted stakeholder consultation.

The ongoing evaluation of the Vertical Block Exemption Regulation and Guidelines on Vertical Restraints
seeks notably to assess to what extent the current regime has achieved its objective of providing a safe
harbour for vertical agreements that are on balance efficiency enhancing, thus creating legal certainty and
reduced compliance costs for stakeholders. This includes identifying areas in which the current regime
may not properly reflect new market developments as well as possible gaps, which may have resulted in
legal uncertainty, inconsistencies in the enforcement of the vertical rules in different EU Member States
and therefore increased compliance costs for stakeholders.

9

No.

5

Title

Simplification objective / potential (short explanation of the REFIT objective of the revisions, and
simplification potential for evaluations and fitness checks)

25.

Evaluation of procedural and jurisdictional aspects of EU merger The ongoing evaluation focuses on simplification and cutting red tape where appropriate, streamlining of
the referral system and other improvements of a technical nature. Moreover, in light of the recent debate on
control
the effectiveness of the purely turnover-based jurisdictional thresholds of the EU Merger Regulation, the
evaluation also seeks to assess whether these allow capturing all transactions, which can potentially have
an impact in the internal market.

26.

Targeted modification of the General Block Exemption Regulation The Commission aims at modifying the General Block Exemption Regulation in a targeted manner to
accompany the next Multiannual Financial Framework. The proposal will ensure that national funding,
in relation to the EU funding programmes
from Member States’ funds or from ESI Funds managed at national level, and centrally-managed EU funds
can be combined seamlessly in the following areas: in financial products supported by the InvestEU Fund;
RDI projects with a Seal of Excellence under H2020 or Horizon Europe, as well as co-funded projects and
teaming actions under H2020 or Horizon Europe; and European Territorial Cooperation projects. (Q3
2020)

27.

Consortia Block Exemption Regulation (exemption from Article The extension of the current Consortia Block Exemption Regulation for another four years will continue to
101 TFEU for certain types of cooperation agreements among simplify the analysis of consortia’s compliance with competition rules, limit the dependency on external
advice and reduce legal costs.
container shipping operators)5

28.

Evaluation of the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU

The low voltage directive (LVD) ensures that electrical equipment within certain voltage limits provides
a high level of protection for European citizens, and benefits fully from the single market. It has been
applicable since 20 April 2016. The purpose of this evaluation is to assess if the Directive is fit for
purpose in terms of effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence, EU added-value. On the basis of the
conclusions on the performance of the Directive, the Commission will assess which next steps may be
necessary to improve the performance of the Directive.

29.

Evaluation of the Postal Services Directive 97/67/EC*

The postal sector is going through substantial changes due to digitalisation. The Postal Services
Directive (97/67/EC) dates from 1997 and was revised in 2002 and 2008.The report on the application
of the Directive will be accompanied by an evaluation to assess if the Directive is still fit for purpose
and future-proof.

30.

Evaluation of the 'SME Definition'

The scope of this initiative is the Commission Recommendation concerning the definition of micro,
small and medium-sized enterprises (2003/361/EC). It sets out the criteria to determine whether an
enterprise is an SME (i.e. staff head-count, turnover/ balance sheet total and independence) and has been
applied since 01/01/2005 when it replaced Recommendation 96/280/EC. As the Recommendation is
referenced in over 100 EU legal acts covering a wide range of EU policies such as State Aid, a
replacement will also have to address those references.

The initiative was adopted on 24 March 2020.
10

No.

Title

Simplification objective / potential (short explanation of the REFIT objective of the revisions, and
simplification potential for evaluations and fitness checks)

31.

Revision of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC *

The initiative aims to:
i) address the risks stemming from new technologies while allowing for technical progress
ii) simplify the requirements for documentation by allowing digital formats, hence to reduce
administrative burden for economic operators, with an additional positive impact on environmental
costs,
iii) to improve the legal clarity of some major concepts and definitions in the current text of the
Directive,
iv) to ensure coherence with other Directives and Regulations for products and improve enforcement of
the legislation through the alignement to the New Legislative Framework,
v) reduce costs of transposition by converting the Directive into a Regulation.
(legislative, incl. impact assessment, Article 114 TFEU, Q1 2021)

32.

Evaluation of EU legislation on design protection

The purpose of the evaluation is to analyse to what extent the current EU legislation on design
protection has achieved its objectives in terms of efficiency, effectiveness, relevance, coherence and EU
added-value, and it shall provide clear indications of the degree to which that legislation is still
considered to be fit for purpose. The evaluation shall identify opportunities for streamlining registration
procedures with a view to facilitating the simple uptake of design protection in the EU with potential
reduction of costs and administrative burdens to the benefit of businesses, designers and SMEs.

33.

Evaluation of the Driving Licence Directive 2006/126/EC *

The ex-post evaluation will assess how well the Directive has performed in improving road safety,
facilitating free movement and reducing the possibility of fraud. It will also examine technical progress
e.g. as regards vehicles and digitalisation (digital licences).

An Economy that Works for People
34.

Uniform rounding rules (Follow up of Report on recent
developments as regards euro coins COM(2018) 787 final/2 ) *

Evaluation of the use of one- and two-euro cent coins and of the possibility to introduce common
rounding rules. A possible proposal would introduce common rounding rules to address the challenges
related to the use of one- and two-euro cent coins (legislative, incl. impact assessment, Article 133
TFEU, Q4 2021)

35.

Fitness Check on Public Corporate Reporting by companies

The aim of this fitness check is to assess whether EU legislation on regular and public reporting by
companies continues to meet the stakeholders’ need for information on companies’ activities,
performances, risks, and impacts.

36.

Evaluation of legislation on trade in drug precursors

Regulation (EC) No 273/2004 and Regulation (EC) No 111/2005 on drug precursors will be evaluated
in the light of their objective, which is to set up a monitoring and control system of the trade in drug
precursors to prevent their diversion from the legal supply chain into the illicit drug production. In
addition to those two Regulations, the evaluation will cover their associated acts, Delegated Regulation
2015/1011 and Implementing Regulation 2015/1013.

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Title

37.

Evaluation of Regulation on mutual assistance in customs matters
515/97 *

Simplification objective / potential (short explanation of the REFIT objective of the revisions, and
simplification potential for evaluations and fitness checks)
Regulation 515/97 ensures the correct application of the EU customs legislation. Since the 2015 revision
of Regulation 515/97, new developments (such as new data protection regime, new fraud risks) have
been recorded. The evaluation will assess the overall functioning of Regulation 515/97 by also making
use of a targeted consultation.

A Stronger Europe in the World
38.

Evaluation of the trade pillar of six EU’s Association Agreements
with EUROMED countries (Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Jordan,
Algeria and Lebanon) *

This evaluation might identify opportunities for streamlining procedures with potential reduction of
costs and administrative burden and simplification of processes. Furthermore, these potential benefits
might be used in any future re-negotiation of this agreement or in the negotiation of agreements with
other countries.

39.

Evaluation of the implementation of the EU-CARIFORUM
Economic Partnership Agreement *

This evaluation might identify opportunities for streamlining procedures with potential reduction of
costs and administrative burden and simplification of processes. Furthermore, these potential benefits
might be used in any future re-negotiation of this agreement or in the negotiation of agreements with
other countries.

40.

Torture Free Trade

Review Regulation (EU) 2019/125 (‘Anti-torture Regulation’) concerning trade in certain goods, which
could be used for capital punishment, torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or
punishment.
Under Article 32 of the ‘Anti-torture Regulation’, the Commission shall review its implementation by
31 July 2020, and every five years thereafter. On the basis of a review report to be adopted by July
2020, the Commission will decide whether any amendments to the Regulation should be proposed.
Without prejudice to the outcome of the review and while ensuring that relevant goods remain subject to
effective restrictions, potential areas of simplification on for instance reporting requirements or
exchanging information could be considered.

Promoting our European Way of Life
41.

Evaluation of Paediatric Regulation (EC) No 1901/2006 and of
Orphan Medicinal Products Regulation (EC) No 141/2000

This evaluation will provide meaningful input to the future EU pharmaceutical strategy. Based on the
available evidence, the evaluation assesses the strengths and weaknesses of the Orphan and Paediatric
Regulations both separately and combined. The evaluation focuses, inter alia, on products catering for
unmet medical needs and on how the incentives provided in current legislation have been used.

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No.

Title

Simplification objective / potential (short explanation of the REFIT objective of the revisions, and
simplification potential for evaluations and fitness checks)

A New Push for European Democracy
42.

Commission Proposal to review Directive 2008/48/EC on credit
agreement for consumers *

The ongoing evaluation of the directive will focus on the progress made, its costs and benefits. It will
also focus on whether original objectives and tools of the Directive correspond to current needs, on
monitoring how the Directive works together with other pieces of legislation and whether the EU
intervention has delivered a benefit. Based on the outcome of the evaluation, the review will ensure
better consumer information and understanding of consumer credits, taking into account the
digitalisation in the provision of such products. It will aim at providing better protection for consumers
from irresponsible lending practices, particularly those spread online. (legislative, incl. impact
assessment, Article 114 TFEU, Q2 2021)

43.

Commission Proposal to review Directive 2002/65/EC on the
distance marketing of consumer financial services *

The ongoing evaluation will assess whether the original objectives have been achieved, how the
Directive is functioning from a cost/benefit, burden reduction and simplification perspectives, and how
the Directive works together with other legislation in the field of retail financial services, consumer
protection and data protection. The analysis will assess whether the tools of the Directive correspond to
the original and current needs and its EU added-value. Based on the outcome of the evaluation, the
review will ensure better understanding of retail financial products taking into account the digitalisation
in the provision of such products. It will aim at providing better protection for consumers from
irresponsible lending practices, particularly those spread online. (legislative, incl. impact assessment,
Article 114 TFEU, Q4 2021)

44.

Revision of the General Product Safety Directive 2001/95/EC The initiative will tackle the safety issues of products brought about by new technologies; address the
need for more concrete actions on online selling; update the general legal framework on product safety;
(Regulation; legal basis Article 114 TFEU) *
and in the light of the new Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 on market surveillance and compliance of
products, fill the existing gap between harmonised and non-harmonised products as far as market
surveillance is concerned. The revision would also improve the effectiveness of product recalls and the
coverage of new product safety risks. It should strengthen the enforcement powers of Member States in
particular in relation to import controls. (legislative, incl. impact assessment, Article 114 TFEU, Q2
2021)

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