By Marianne Gros

Copyright politico

The omnibus bill aims to reduce reporting obligations for companies under the bloc’s sustainability disclosure and supply chain transparency rules. Cutting red tape for businesses has become a top priority for von der Leyen in her second mandate, as the EU strives to boost competitiveness and aid flaccid economies.

“My goal has always been to simplify and cut cost for business. I have presented two packages that deliver on that,” said the EPP’s Jörgen Warborn, who leads negotiations on this file. The first option — which exempts even more companies from having to report on their environmental footprint — has the backing of right-wing and far-right groups.

“I do not exclude any majority as long as we cut costs for businesses and strengthen Europe’s competitiveness,” Warborn added.

The so-called von der Leyen majority includes the three moderate groups and the Greens that backed her for a second term, after last year’s European election results saw the balance of power in the Parliament tilt to the right. The EPP has since flirted on some issues with forming an alternative majority with conservative and far-right parties.

Threats and theater

The S&D’s Lara Wolters said that during the meeting, there was “not a single decent conversation. Only threats and theater.” But “these are serious matters. So let’s not waste more time, and start real negotiations,” she added.

Pascal Canfin, who leads Renew’s work around the omnibus, said: “The far-right-leaning ‘option one’ is totally unacceptable.”