Madsen to cut bureaucracy with Estonia ideas - Schleswig-Holstein targets bureaucracy with bold reforms for businesses
Schleswig-Holstein’s Economics Minister Claus Ruhe Madsen is pushing for major cuts to bureaucracy. He wants to simplify rules for businesses and improve how personal data is handled. His plans draw heavily on Estonia’s approach to digital governance and tax efficiency.
Madsen has long campaigned against excessive red tape. Over the past three years, he has launched multiple federal council initiatives to reduce bureaucratic burdens. Now, he is proposing a shift from monthly to quarterly statistical reporting for businesses, arguing that current obligations cost Germany €863 million annually—half of which stems from the Intrastat trade reporting system.
The proposed changes aim to cut costs and improve competitiveness. Businesses would face fewer reporting demands, while citizens could benefit from clearer data handling. If adopted, the reforms would mark a significant shift in how the state manages bureaucracy and digital services.
