Amid growing pressure for simplification, WWF advocates for smart implementation of climate and environmental laws, paired with green investment, to ensure that Europe’s climate and nature goals are met efficiently and effectively.

Why it matters

In recent years, there has been a growing push from industry and political groups to reduce the so-called regulatory “burden” on businesses. While this is presented as ‘simplification’, the practical end-result is often deregulation - the lowering of environmental or social standards, reneging on international commitments, or reducing the EU’s climate and nature ambition. This push already has tangible consequences, such as the Commission's recent proposal to delay the application of EU Deforestation Regulation. If unchecked, this new narrative could jeopardise other vital climate and environmental legislation such as laws promoting nature protection and restoration, addressing pollution and carbon emissions. 

Weakening or rolling back these laws risks undermining decades of progress in tackling the climate crisis and reversing biodiversity loss. It would also create legal uncertainty for companies and investors as regulating at the EU level significantly eases administrative burdens compared to navigating 27 different national regulations. Furthermore, it unfairly penalises companies that have invested significantly to comply with regulations, effectively rewarding those that have lagged behind. 

The price of inaction is particularly high—climate change alone has already cost the EU €260 billion over the past decade. Simplifying laws without robust safeguards could worsen environmental issues, leading to higher costs for firms and society, such as those related to floods, droughts, pollution, fires, and health impacts. On the other hand, effective implementation of existing environmental laws could save the EU economy at least €55 billion annually in health and environmental costs.

Today, many Member States continue to struggle with compliance, with 20% of all infringement cases handled by the European Commission relating to environmental legislation. This is where smart implementation comes in—it ensures that the necessary guidance, tools, and enforcement are in place to make these laws work.

What WWF is doing

WWF is advocating for the new EU leadership to introduce a first-of-its-kind “Smart Implementation Programme” that leverages digitalisation, provides clear and accessible guidance for companies and supervisors, encourages active stakeholder engagement, and promotes targeted incentives and harmonisation. This approach ensures that the laws we already have deliver their full potential, without adding unnecessary complexity for businesses or national governments.

In November 2024, as the Commissioner hearings began, WWF joined over 180 civil society organisations in urging the incoming European Commission to prioritise effective implementation of climate and environmental laws. Together, they warned that the current push for "simplification" risks undermining Europe’s capacity to address the urgent climate and nature crises and creates a concerning drift towards deregulation. This collective call aligned with concerns from more than 60 businesses across Europe, who also cautioned against the potential setbacks of delaying or scaling back Green Deal initiatives.

WWF also recognises that achieving current and future climate and environmental objectives requires funding and advocates for an ambitious investment plan for the EU. While Europe currently spends between €34 billion and €48 billion annually on subsidies that harm the environment, it falls short of the €48 billion needed each year to finance activities that restore and protect nature. Redirecting these harmful subsidies towards sustainable solutions is essential for closing this funding gap while creating jobs, fostering innovation, and boosting long-term economic growth.