Green groups set up deregulation ‘watchdog’

A group of nongovernmental organisations has created a watchdog to ensure that the European Commission’s ‘better regulation’ reforms—which the Commission says will raise the quality of its rules—are in line with citizens’ rights.

The Better Regulation Watchdog was launched jointly by more than 50 NGOs on 18 May, a day ahead of the Commission’s presentation of its reform package. In a statement, the organisations said they were concerned that the agenda “aims to weaken or undermine essential regulations and subordinate the public good to corporate interests”.

The network is made up of consumer, environmental, development, financial, social and public health organisations. It aims to examine actions taken under the Commission’s initiative to identify risks to the standard of regulation in these areas. It will also organise public debates, promote research, and launch campaigns and advocacy work.