Samenvatting

The European Commission’s Fitness Check exercise, as part of the Better Regulation agenda is a very hot topic at the moment and has already covered six policy areas since 2010. At the moment, a Fitness Check is being performed on the Birds & Habitats Directives, which can be seen as the most controversial Fitness Check until now. This research examines the key drivers and forces that influence the outcomes of the Fitness Checks and aims to give constructive recommendations basing on the conclusions drawn from the research. To answer the central research question, a research method that consisted of a mixture of primary data collection (semi-structured interviews) and secondary data collection was chosen, focusing on gathering qualitative data.
In the Literature Review, background information was provided on Better Regulation, eventually narrowing the information down to a thorough description of the Fitness Check. In addition, the policies that were subjected to a Fitness Check were described.
The study examined the way policy areas and specific pieces of legislation were selected for revision and the responses that were provided by stakeholders during the public consultation processes. Also, the outcomes of the Fitness Checks were studied, followed by the determination of follow-up actions resulting from these outcomes.
The research produced a number of key findings. Firstly, it was found that improving the business environment and the reduction of administrative burdens were key drivers behind setting up the Fitness Check exercises. Secondly, this research did not find a clear answer as to why certain policy areas were chosen for revision. It concluded that it was not the policy area that was the criterion for selection, but rather the amount of administrative burden generated from the policies. Thirdly, providing a solution for the aftermath of the Crisis and reducing the rising euro-scepticism were mentioned as key elements in the process as well.
This study produced some concluding recommendations as well, one of them being that a transition is needed from environmental NGO campaigning against deregulation to campaigning for better implementation of legislation, so that all stakeholders affected by certain pieces of legislation benefit from regulation.