The European Commission is exploring ways to reduce regulatory overlap in technology rules in response to concerns raised by businesses regarding the surge in new EU regulations in recent years, as stated by digital chief Henna Virkkunen on Thursday. Virkkunen mentioned that laws like the Digital Services Act, the Digital Markets Act, and the AI Act were not intended to be weakened as part of a review of the regulations.

Virkkunen emphasized that all companies operating in Europe must adhere to the regulations, including European, American, and Chinese companies. The EU has been leading efforts to regulate technology, which has drawn criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump and European businesses who argue that excessive regulation is hindering innovation.

Virkkunen highlighted that the commission is exploring ways to simplify processes for companies by revising digital regulations to address overlaps and reduce bureaucratic hurdles, particularly in reporting requirements. She expressed a preference for enforcing existing rules consistently across EU countries rather than introducing additional directives for technology governance.

Earlier this month, the commission postponed the adoption of new climate change targets and sustainability regulations following concerns that excessive regulation was diminishing EU competitiveness compared to U.S. and Chinese competitors.