Page contents Page contents What is the ‘one in, one out’ approach?The main principles behind this approach were outlined by the Commission in the 2021 Better Regulation Communication [1] and followed up in the updated guidelines and toolbox. The Commission built its methodology on the EU standard cost model [2], as well as on some national experiences adapted to the EU level in terms of scope of application, coverage of costs, and institutional set-up.The approach is based on costs and cost savings, estimated from the Commission’s legislative proposals. It is not applied automatically, for instance by repealing one legal act for one newly adopted one (or by withdrawing one legislative proposal when a new one is put forward), as this could lead to a lowering of the EU’s high social, economic and environmental standards. Instead, the approach focuses on costs and benefits, acting as a ‘cost brake’. Under the approach, the Commission covers the costs and savings that businesses and citizens may expect when complying with legislation proposed [3], as presented in the accompanying impact assessments or staff working documents.2022, chart2023, chart2024, chart [1] COM/2021/219 final, https://ec.europa.eu/info/files/better-regulation-joining-forces-make-better-laws_en[2] See tools #58 and #59 of the Better Regulation toolbox.[3] Excluding fees and charges, see tool #59 (Typology of costs and benefits) of the Better Regulation toolbox. Compliance costs for public authorities are also presented in impact assessments but are not counted towards the ‘one in, one out’ offsetting.
