BRUSSELS – The European Commission is introducing the Fit for Future Platform (F4F), a "high-level expert group that will help the Commission in its efforts to simplify EU laws and to reduce related unnecessary costs."

In press statements it said that the effort is part of the Regulatory fitness and performance (REFIT) programme, and F4F will examine whether existing laws can achieve their objectives efficiently as the Commission tackles new challenges such as digitalisation.

"The Commission will take into account the Platform’s opinions to ensure EU laws help, not hinder, people and business, in particular small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)," it said, adding that the platform is chaired by the Commission’s Vice-President for Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight, Maros Sefcovic. Once it is up and running, the public and interested entities will be able to contribute their opinions (Have your say – Simplify function).

The members of the new Platform will include representatives from EU member states' national, regional and local authorities, the Committee of the Regions, the European Economic and Social Committee and stakeholders representing business and non-governmental organisations. The SME Envoy network will provide input and will be represented in the plenary meetings of the Platform.