Ursula von der Leyen proposes EU pact against gold-plating and new migration frameworks

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has issued a letter to EU heads of state proposing two major policy initiatives: a pact against 'gold-plating' and new frameworks for migration management.

The proposed 'Pact against Overregulation' aims to prevent member states from adding extra national requirements or administrative burdens when implementing EU laws. This practice, known as gold-plating, often complicates rules for small businesses and the self-employed. The initiative seeks to ensure that EU-agreed standards do not become more complex at the national level, proposing a 'review and removal' mechanism to eliminate existing bureaucratic obstacles.

Regarding migration, von der Leyen addressed the instrumentalization of migration by third parties, describing it as a tool used to 'sow panic and divide' the Union. She announced plans for new European crisis response frameworks to provide member states with greater flexibility in managing borders and asylum procedures during sudden surges, such as those seen in Ceuta. The proposal also includes strengthening Frontex and calls for stricter visa policies for Russian citizens, including potential bans for current and former military members.