In the latest episode of The We Are Innovation Podcast, host Federico N. Fernández examined the complex world of EU legislation with guest Jonas Herby, a Special Consultant at the Danish think tank CEPOS. Herby, an expert in regulation and socio-economic analysis, shared his research on the dramatic increase in EU legislation since the Maastricht Treaty, revealing a staggering 729 percent growth since 1992.
The conversation highlighted several key issues, including the von der Leyen Commission’s 14 percent increase in regulatory activity since 2020, despite claims of simplifying laws. Herby also discussed the shift from directives to regulations in EU lawmaking, a change that has significant implications for member states’ ability to adapt legislation to their specific contexts. The principles of subsidiarity and proportionality were examined, with Herby questioning whether the current trend in EU regulation adheres to these fundamental guidelines.
Herby’s insights extended to the concept of the EU as a “regulatory superpower” and its potential consequences on the global stage. Using Denmark as an example, he illustrated how EU regulations now account for about 60 percent of the total growth in Danish regulatory volume, raising important questions about national sovereignty and the ability to create tailored policies. The discussion concluded with Herby offering recommendations for policymakers at both EU and national levels, providing a thoughtful exploration of the challenges and opportunities presented by the current regulatory landscape in the European Union.
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