The European Union is reducing key standards of protection at an unprecedented pace. Under the slogan of "Simplification" At the same time, environmental, consumer and human rights regulations are weakened or completely dismantled. Ten so-called omnibus packages from the European Commission are deeply interfering with existing EU laws – from supply chain law to chemicals and environmental law to data protection and artificial intelligence.
With the briefing “We are being overwhelmed – European bus and coach laws and their impact on human rights, the environment and consumers” For the first time, PowerShift systematically classifies these developments. The publication explains the political background of the omnibus agenda, analyses all ten well-known omnibus packages and shows the impact of the planned legislative changes on human rights, the environment, consumer protection and democratic decision-making processes.
What are the Omnibus Laws?
Omnibu proceedings bundle amendments to several laws in a single legislative procedure. Initially, they were intended to facilitate technical adjustments and efficiently update existing legislation.
However, the current bus packages pursue a different goal. They serve to reduce reporting requirements, speed up approval procedures and reduce regulatory requirements for companies. Within a short period of time, the European Commission has presented ten bus and coach packages covering almost all key areas of European regulation.
A deregulation agenda with far-reaching consequences
Omnibus laws are fundamentally changing European legislation. Among other things, the following are affected:
- Human rights along global supply chains
- Climate and environmental protection
- Consumer protection
- Data protection and digital fundamental rights
- Chemical and product safety
- Agriculture and circular economy
- Public investment
- Regulation of artificial intelligence
Numerous organizations and scientists criticize not only the content changes, but also the procedure. The Omnibus laws were drafted without comprehensive impact assessments and in shortened consultation procedures.
Overview of the most important changes
Supply Chain Law and Sustainability Rules Are Weakened
The first omnibus package amends the European Supply Chain Act (CSDDD), Sustainability Reporting (CSRD) and the CO₂ Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
Significantly fewer companies will be subject to due diligence and reporting obligations in the future. At the same time, uniform civil liability across Europe is eliminated and binding transformation plans to meet the climate targets are weakened.
Environmental and agricultural law come under pressure
Environmental and nature conservation requirements are also withdrawn. The common agricultural policy will continue to be deregulated and environmental requirements and controls will be reduced. Other omnibus packages include circular economy, industrial emissions and environmental impact assessments.
Less protection for chemicals and products
The European Commission is planning longer transitional periods for substances hazardous to health, as well as facilitation of labelling and reporting requirements for chemical products, including cosmetics. Critics warn against weakening the precautionary principle and consumer protection.
Data protection and AI rules are relaxed
Digital fundamental rights are also under scrutiny. These include facilitation of the processing of personal data and the subsequent introduction of safeguards for high-risk artificial intelligence applications.
Why Briefing is Important
Omnibus packages are complex, negotiated in parallel and cover a wide range of policy areas. As a result, it is often difficult for politically interested parties to keep track of the situation.
For the first time, the briefing provides an overall picture of the European bus and coach agenda and provides:
- a comprehensible introduction to omnibu procedures;
- an overview of all ten well-known bus packages,
- a classification of the political backgrounds and the most important actors,
- an analysis of the impact on human rights, the environment, consumer protection and democracy;
- a compact basis for policy makers, journalists, academia and civil society.
The publication thus offers a sound orientation towards one of the most far-reaching legislative processes in the European Union at present.
Download Briefing
If you want to understand how the European deregulation agenda is developing and what consequences it has for human rights, environmental protection and consumer protection, you will find in the briefing “We are being overwhelmed – European bus and coach laws and their impact on human rights, the environment and consumers” A thorough analysis of current developments.
Download the briefing now for free. Coming soon also available as print!
Press & Background
For interviews, audio and data please contact:
Press and Public Relations Unit
presse@power-shift
Bettina Müller
Trade and Investment Policy Officer
Bettina.Mueller@power-shift.de
newsletters
The PowerShift newsletter regularly informs about new studies, background analyses, events and political developments.
Co-editors
Acting differently Austria
ATTAC Germany, ATTAC Austria
Coordination against BAYER dangers
Monsters of bureaucracy
FIAN Germany
Forum Environment & Development
GLOBAL2000
Stop the chainsaw!
LobbyControl
Pesticide Action Network UK
