EU states to be consulted on commission's 2015 programme

BRUSSELS - The European Commission's work programme for the coming year will for the first time be drawn up with member states to ensure that no dud laws make their way into the legislative pipelines.

In his first appearance as vice-president in charge of deregulation, Frans Timmermans on Wednesday (12 November) told press in Brussels that any laws coming out of the commission should reflect the priorities of "growth, jobs, and fairness".

He promised to try and instill this more minimalistic approach immediately by holding a "round of consultation" on the issue with his colleagues, to have a look at "everything that's already in the pipeline", and to remove what does not fit in with the Juncker commission's priorities.

Timmermans said his approach is based on pragmatism.

"I don't want to include proposals in the commission working programme if I know from the outset they will never enjoy support in the Council," he said.

He said time is also a factor, as the commission aims to put "all its resources" into getting growth back in the European economy, so there is little point in "expending a lot of energy" on projects which are "going nowhere".

The new deregulation drive comes after several member states - most vocally the UK and Timmermans' native Netherlands - stressed the need for fewer laws from Brussels.

It also comes after some high profile battles about proposed laws.

In July, the EU commission announced it was withdrawing a bill on maternity leave which had stalled for three years amid disagreements from the moment it was announced.

A draft bill in 2013 attempting to ban olive oil in jars in restaurants illicited such ridicule that it was withdrawn almost immediately.

The 2015 work programme is due to be decided by the middle of December and will be based on the guidelines European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker set out during the summer: including setting up a digital single market; a better migration policy; and establishing deeper economic and monetary union.

One of the biggest projects on the table is the €300 billion fund Juncker has pledged to kickstart economic growth.

Timmermans said establishing the fund was "highly urgent" and that the commission aims to be ready with a proposal by the time EU leaders meet next month.

"We will consult with everyone before that deadline appears. We will work with all the organisations concerned so that we can prepare a proposal that will result in growth in Europe and that will encourage the private sector to invest in the economy that we need", he said.