Brussels, February 11, 2026 – The Europe Today: Ursula von der Leyen has underscored the urgent need to simplify regulations for businesses operating across the European Union, warning that excessive complexity is undermining the bloc’s global competitiveness.
Addressing the European Parliament, von der Leyen stressed that Europe must streamline its regulatory framework to remain competitive with major global economies such as the United States and China.
She highlighted structural differences between markets, noting that the United States largely operates under a single financial system, while the European Union continues to function through 27 separate national systems and regulatory authorities. According to media reports, this fragmentation adds complexity and administrative burdens for companies seeking to expand across EU member states.
Von der Leyen also drew attention to the fragmentation within Europe’s financial markets, pointing out that the EU currently hosts more than 300 trading venues across the bloc. She argued that Europe requires a larger, deeper, and more liquid capital market to better support business growth, innovation, and long-term investment.
Emphasizing the importance of reform, the Commission President said reducing regulatory complexity and advancing capital market integration would be essential steps toward strengthening the European Union’s economic resilience and global standing.
