Simpler digital rules to help EU businesses grow

The Commission today presented a new set of measures that should enable Europe's businesses to spend less time on administrative work and compliance and more on innovating and scaling up. It opens opportunities for European companies to grow and lead in technology, while upholding Europe's highest standards of fundamental rights, data protection, safety, and fairness. 

The measures could save businesses up to€5 billion in administrative costs by 2029. Additionally, the European Business Wallets could unlock another €150 billion in savings each year.  

Digital simplification

The new digital omnibus aims to simplify existing rules on artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and data.

Innovation-friendly AI rules

Efficient implementation of the AI Act will benefit society, safety and fundamental rights. However, it requires clear guidance and support. Companies will only have to apply the rules for high-risk AI systems once the necessary support tools and standards are in place. This gives them up to 16 months to comply. This initiative also proposes targeted amendments to the AI Act, including simpler rules, opportunities for real-world testing and centralised oversight of AI systems.

Simplifying cybersecurity reporting

Currently, companies must report cybersecurity incidents under several different laws. The package introduces a single-entry point where companies can meet all incident-reporting obligations.

Additionally, to boost innovation and support compliance, targeted amendments to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will harmonise, clarify and simplify certain rules, without lowering data protection standards. Modernised cookie rules will improve users’ experience online.

Improving access to data

Data rules would become simpler and practical for consumers and businesses by

• consolidating EU data rules through the Data Act
• introducing targeted exemptions to some of the Data Act's cloud-switching rules for SMEs and SMCs
• offering new guidance on compliance with the Data Act
• boosting European AI companies by unlocking access to high-quality and fresh datasets for AI.

Data union strategy

The new data union strategy outlines additional measures to unlock high-quality data for AI. This includes

• expanding access through tools such as data labs
• creating a Data Act Legal Helpdesk
• strengthening Europe's data sovereignty with measures to protect sensitive non-personal data and ensure fair treatment of EU data abroad.

European Business Wallet

The European Business Wallets aim to reduce administrative processes and costs. They will allow companies to digitalise operations and interactions, so they won’t need to be done in person. Businesses will be able to

• digitally sign, timestamp and seal documents
• securely create, store, and exchange verified documents
• communicate securely with other businesses or public administrations across the EU.

The digital omnibus legislative proposals will now be submitted to the European Parliament and the Council for adoption. Additionally, a digital fitness check was also launched, comprising a wide public consultation.

This set of measures is referred to as the seventh omnibus. The Commission is working to simplify EU rules to make the EU economy more competitive and prosperous. It aims to reduce administrative burdens by at least 25%, and 35% for SMEs, by the end of 2029.

For more information

Press release

Questions and answers - digital package

Factsheet – digital package

Factsheet – European Business Wallet

Fact page – data union

Digital omnibus on AI (Regulation)

European Business Wallet (Regulation)

Data Union Strategy (Communication)

Digital economy and society

Competitiveness