Germany, Italy, and Belgium propose EU rule suspension mechanism

Germany, Italy, and Belgium have proposed a mechanism to temporarily suspend new European Union rules that they argue burden businesses and weaken the competitiveness of the European economy. In a letter addressed to European Council President Antonio Costa, leaders Friedrich Merz, Giorgia Meloni, and Bart De Wever described the initiative as a ‘stop-crane mechanism.’

The proposal suggests that member states should have the ability to pause the implementation of new regulations developed in Brussels if they impose excessive administrative weight on governments or industries. The leaders also called for a faster reduction of administrative requirements for small and medium-sized enterprises.

The initiative is set to be discussed during the European Council meeting in Brussels on October 15 and 16. Other agenda items include EU competitiveness, high energy prices, the 2028–2034 budget, support for Ukraine, migration, and union reforms.