Eliminating unnecessary demands or prerequisites
In a significant move towards streamlining administrative processes, Germany's cabinet approved a comprehensive bureaucracy reduction package on June 30 in Wiesbaden. This package, aimed at easing bureaucratic burdens and fostering a more citizen-friendly environment, will now move to the state parliament for debate and decision after the summer break.
The package, spearheaded by Minister President Boris Rhein, is set to change and streamline over 90 laws and regulations. One of its key focuses is the simplification of communication with the administration, with written applications to authorities being replaced with emails in some cases.
At the national level, the new German government is implementing several measures that could have a substantial impact on Hessen. The government aims to create a digital platform for business registration, allowing businesses to complete all necessary formalities in one place, within 24 hours[1]. This includes interactions with notaries, tax authorities, and trade offices, which could significantly reduce bureaucratic hurdles for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Streamlined permitting processes are also intended to boost economic activity in regions like Hessen[1]. Lowering the corporation tax by 1% annually for five years starting in 2028 could attract more businesses to Germany, potentially benefiting Hessen by increasing investment and economic growth[1].
In Hessen, particularly in southern Hesse, there is a strong focus on reducing bureaucracy and promoting economic freedom. The new president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) Darmstadt, Christian Jöst, has emphasised the need for reducing regulatory density to foster entrepreneurial freedom[3]. His commitment is to create a more favourable business environment, which could lead to increased innovation and economic growth in the region.
While specific regional initiatives in Hessen are not yet detailed, the overall national strategy to reduce bureaucracy is expected to have a positive impact on businesses and citizens by making administrative processes more efficient and less burdensome[4].
The bureaucracy reduction package in Hessen also aims to reduce the number of forms and senseless regulations for citizens. For instance, the requirement for a certificate of good conduct for certain training exams and driving permits with the fire department will be abolished[2]. Many applications no longer require certified copies; a digital copy is sufficient[2].
The package also targets agencies that recheck TÜV inspections and impose senseless documentation requirements for companies[2]. In some administrative procedures, an ID will suffice instead of a birth certificate[2]. Permits are being simplified in road and environmental law, with the hearing of environmental associations being abolished[2]. Unnecessary reporting requirements, particularly in basic security, are also being eliminated[2].
Minister President Rhein stated that bureaucracy reduction is a marathon, and many more steps will follow[2]. The goal of the package is to make administrative processes easier and more efficient for both citizens and businesses, potentially improving the quality of life for citizens by reducing wait times and administrative burdens. Simplified registration processes and reduced regulatory hurdles could encourage entrepreneurship, increase investment, and boost economic growth in Hessen.
- The bureaucracy reduction package in Hessen, spearheaded by Minister President Boris Rhein, not only aims to eliminate unnecessary forms and regulations for citizens, but also plans to implement a digital platform for business registration, simplifying communication with the administration and potentially reducing bureaucratic hurdles for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
- Alongside the national push towards streamlining administrative processes, the German government's policy-and-legislation initiatives, such as the creation of a digital business registration platform and the focus on reducing regulatory density, could significantly impact politics in the region, particularly in Hessen, by fostering a more favorable business environment and encouraging economic growth.
