‘Better Regulation’ watchdog forms to protect citizen, worker, consumer rights

The network of organisations from around Europe is concerned that the 'Better Regulation' agenda aims to weaken or undermine essential regulations and subordinate the public good to corporate interests.

The creation of the network is a response to the European Commission's attempts to remove what it deems regulatory burdens under the 'Better Regulation' initiative. Commission First Vice President Frans Timmermans is expected to unveil a package of measures in support of this initiative on May 19th.

The network comprises a wide range of public interest groups including consumer, environmental, development, financial, social, and public health organisations and trade unions, and represents tens of millions of European citizens. The members are united by a desire to build an inclusive and competitive Europe founded on economic, social and environmental sustainability.

The network will examine actions taken under the Better Regulation initiative to identify possible risks to existing and future social, labour, environmental, consumer, financial regulation and public health standards. It will then inform civil society, media and decision makers of these risks by organising public debates, promoting research, and through joint campaigning and advocacy work.

More detail on the group's aims and membership can be found here in the founding statement: brwn_founding_statement_and_members.pdf