“A simpler and faster Europe: Portfolio Communication on implementation and simplification and the next policy for SME and CBAM

The  communication  made by EU Commission “A simpler and  faster Europe: Portfolio Communication on implementation  and simplification”provides some simplifications on the CBAM obligations management. About this topic, the mentioned communication wrote that the CBAM should be simplified and eased for the SME ans small importers. Indeed, it is written: “ Omnibus package on sustainability. This proposal will cover a far-reaching simplification in the fields of sustainable finance reporting, sustainability due diligence and taxonomy. It will ensure better alignment of the requirements with the needs of investors, proportionate timelines, financial metrics that do not discourage investments in smaller companies in transition, and obligations proportionate to the scale of activities of different companies. It will notably address the trickle-down effect to prevent smaller companies along the supply chains from being subjected in practice to excessive reporting requests that were never intended by the legislators. The carbon border adjustment mechanism requirements will be eased to the benefit of smaller importers, specifically for SMEs and authorities”. To tackle this challenge, a new approach to the legislative process is needed, through: a. reinforced SME and competitiveness checks b. scrutiny of delegated and implementing acts, and related empowerments c. smart and digital delivery integrated in the design of EU laws d. a simple methodology to assess the impact of significant amendments

The starting point is the Draghi report for which “the accumulation of rules over time at different levels, their increased complexity and challenges in implementing the rules are having a significant impact on Europe’s competitiveness, limiting our economic potential and our prosperity. The time has come to take stock and shore up the quality of our regulatory framework, with a view to accelerating the achievement of our agreed objectives”.  In this perspective, the policy above outlined will aim to streamline permit granting, authorisations and reporting requirements