04/02/2026
As European leaders prepare to meet for a high-level summit on “competitiveness”, the EU’s deregulation agenda is entering a decisive phase. What is being framed as a drive to boost industry risks becoming a large-scale rollback of social, environmental and democratic safeguards, and as warns our founder, Professor Alemanno, a major power grab by national governments from the EU Commission and Parliament.
February summit could fast-track deregulation
On 12 February, EU heads of government will gather in Belgium for an informal “Leaders’ Retreat” focused on accelerating deregulation at both EU and national level. Proposals on the table include limiting new legislation deemed “too burdensome” for business, speeding up permitting through Omnibus laws, and pushing ahead with the controversial “28th Regime”.
These ideas echo long-standing corporate lobbying demands and reflect growing political support for deregulation across several member states. Critics warn that removing so-called “internal barriers” in the Single Market could undermine national labour, environmental and consumer protections – and block future progressive regulation.
The Omnibus year and what comes next
The summit follows a year marked by unprecedented use of Omnibus legislation. In 2025, the European Commission launched ten Omnibus packages, weakening standards in areas ranging from corporate sustainability and digital rights to food safety. At least three more packages are already planned for 2026, with further initiatives expected.
The Commission has also announced plans to “stress test” existing EU laws against industrial competitiveness – a process that could trigger the biggest deregulation wave in the EU’s history.
Growing resistance inside and outside Brussels
Opposition to this agenda is mounting. The European Ombudsman has condemned the Omnibus approach as maladministration, while political voices across the EU warn of “deregulation by stealth” that erodes transparency and democratic oversight. Civil society and trade unions are mobilising too: hundreds of organisations have already called for more protections, not fewer.
As documented by Deregulation Watch from Corporate Europe Observatory, intensive corporate lobbying continues behind the scenes. But so does public resistance.
The upcoming summit will be a defining moment. The question for 2026 is no longer whether deregulation is happening, but whether citizens, civil society and democratic institutions can stop it from hollowing out Europe’s social and environmental foundations.