Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson has welcomed the European Commission’s proposals to simplify EU rules as part of an effort to ensure Brussels is more focused on bigger issues.
Mr Nicholson said, “This is a time when the citizens of the United Kingdom wants a new relationship with Brussels, they think there is too much red tape. These new proposals will respond to these concerns over red tape, whilst also easing the burden on businesses.
“The President of the Commission, José Manuel Barroso, insists that that Commission has become more mindful of the costs to both businesses and citizens when considering regulations, and I hope this will lead to Brussels interfering less on smaller issues. These proposals will put an end to ludicrous decisions such as the proposal made in May this year to ban olive oil jugs on tables in restaurants.
“Of course EU-based rulemaking remains vital in areas such as regulations that affect the bloc’s single market, but the Commission should not meddle in everything that happens within Europe, therefore I hope these proposals are agreed to and the red tape can be cut back.”