ATHENS — A draft law simplifying the licensing of businesses was approved in principle, at committee level, in the Greek Parliament on Friday.

The bill is titled "Simplification of the framework for economic activities falling under the jurisdiction of the Ministries of Development & Investments, Infrastructure & Transport, Health, and Tourism; regulations for productivity activities; and other regulations supporting development."

Ruling New Democracy, main opposition SYRIZA, and Movement for Change (KINAL) voted in support of the bill, while the Communist Party voted against it. Greek Solution and MeRA25 reserved judgement for discussion in the plenary session.

ND rapporteur Yiannis Andrianos noted the welcoming response of all agencies during their review, and the positive attitude of the main opposition and KINAL, as well as the constructive proposals made that improved the bill.

Minority rapporteur Yiannis Sarakiotis said that "we are discussing a bill that could not be opposed by anyone, since it relates to simplifying the framework of a series of economic activities," a strategy that Syriza began at all ministries.

The second reading at committee level is scheduled on Wednesday. The bill is expected to reach plenary for dicussion and voting on Thursday.