The European Commission proposes centralizing the planning of energy networks at the European level to integrate the energy system, reduce costs, increase competitiveness and avoid costly generation capacities, aligning processes and generating clear priorities.
The European Commission proposed a digital omnibus to simplify regulations in the EU, but fails to achieve a transformative reform or the desired competitiveness. Changes are proposed in data regulations, particularly in the Data Act, although it presents deficiencies. The proposal includes modifications to the GDPR to address consumer fatigue with privacy consent notifications, with browser extensions as a solution.
Europe must implement risk mitigation strategies, adapting tools to a changing geopolitical context. It is recommended to reduce dependencies on critical materials and digital and financial sectors, identify critical points in supply chains and use the Anti-Coercion Instrument selectively. Additionally, it is suggested to use industrial policy tools and economic associations in a balanced way, avoiding penalizing partners in trade agreements.
During more than a decade, the European Commission has used Country-Specific Recommendations (CSRs) to push for fiscal reforms in the EU, although a recent analysis reveals changes in fiscal priorities without reflecting real progress. Attention has shifted from labor and consumption taxes to capital taxation and tax administration. Only 14% of these recommendations have been fully implemented.
The European Commission highlights fiscal policy to address emerging challenges, with annual recommendations to EU countries through the European Semester. A shift in priorities in fiscal reforms is observed, focusing more on capital taxes, tax administration and eco-taxes. The implementation of previous recommendations has been limited, with significant differences between countries. Clearer priorities, specific guidelines and greater national commitment are needed to strengthen fiscal coordination in the EU.
