European Trade Union Committee for Education

Brussels, 18 May 2015 – More than 50 civil society organisations - and among them ETUCE - have joined forces to create the 'Better Regulation Watchdog' – a network to protect citizens', workers' and consumers' rights. The network was launched today in Brussels, one day ahead of the expected announcement of the European Commission's so-called 'Better Regulation' reforms.

The network of organisations from around Europe is concerned that the 'Better Regulation' agenda aims to weaken or undermine essential regulations and subordinate the public good to corporate interests.

The creation of the network is a response to the European Commission's attempts to remove what it deems regulatory burdens under the 'Better Regulation' initiative. Commission First Vice President Frans Timmermans is expected to unveil a package of measures in support of this initiative tomorrow.

The network comprises a wide range of public interest groups including consumer, environmental, development, financial, social, and public health organisations and trade unions, and represents tens of millions of European citizens. The members are united by a desire to build an inclusive and competitive Europe founded on economic, social and environmental sustainability.

The network will examine actions taken under the Better Regulation initiative to identify possible risks to existing and future social, labour, environmental, consumer, financial regulation and public health standards. It will then inform civil society, media and decision makers of these risks by organising public debates, promoting research, and through joint campaigning and advocacy work.

The founding statement of the Better Regulation Watchdog and the full list of members can be found here