by Philip Blenkinsop, Kate Abnett and Michel Rose

Brussels/Paris (Reuters) – Artificial Intelligence (AI), Biotechnologies and affordable clean energy will be at the center of an initiative of the European Union (EU) aimed at making the competitive block worldwide in particular against United States and China, according to a project of document from the European Commission consulted by Reuters.

Several members of the block, including France, put pressure for the EU to simplify the regulations of the business sector, especially since it now faces new challenges with the new administration of President Donald Trump.

The President of the United States, who is committed to reducing the rules applicable to American companies, spoke about the debate concerning administrative formalities at the Annual Davos Summit, which brings together the World Business Elite, by urging the EU to reduce regulations. He also threatened to impose new customs duties on EU exports to the United States.

The European Commission’s document is a proposals – a compass of competitiveness – which will be presented on January 29. It describes 29 measures and strategies planned for the next two years in order to increase productivity through innovation and to decarbonize the manufacturing industry.

The commission should launch its “pact for its own industry” at the end of February, with measures aimed at reducing the requirements of companies in terms of sustainable development and reducing energy prices by 25% , which can be three times higher than in the United States.

The European executive will revise the EU rules governing chemicals, will encourage factories linked to AI and seek to tackle the obstacles that prevent innovative startups from gaining momentum, indicates the document on document on competitiveness.

He will also encourage 27 EU members to further coordinate their patchwork of industrial policies and support.

French offensive

The proposals of the Commission intervene after an offensive of France aimed at reducing administrative formalities at the level of the European Union.

In a confidential document dated January 20 and obtained by Reuters, Paris calls for a “massive regulatory break” at European level, to a postponement of the entry into force of certain environmental rules adopted under the old mandate within the framework of ” Green Deal “, even” the revision of legislation, even recently adopted “.

In the French document, which will be presented by the Minister of Europe Benjamin Haddad on Tuesday to the other EU ministers, France proposes to delay “Sine Die” a new EU directive on the duty of vigilance of companies ( CS3D) and to delay by two years the directive on business sustainability information (CSRD).

The document also offers simplifications in the agricultural field as well as the reduction in deadlines for state aid procedures.

During his wishes to the press on Thursday, the Minister of Finance Eric Lombard called for a real “simplification shock” at European level.

“We are expecting strong announcements in the first 100 days of the mandate of the President of the Commission who made a priority,” he said.

(Philip Blenkinsop reports, Kate Abnett and Michel Rose, Alban Kacher, edited by Blandine Hénault)

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