The European Commission's “Omnibus Packages”, presented in February 2025, introduce key regulatory adjustments aimed at reducing administrative burdens and enhancing competitiveness—particularly for SMEs. The First Omnibus Package on Sustainability aims to simplify sustainability reporting require-ments, targeting a 25% reduction in reporting obligations for companies. It exempts many SMEs from mandatory disclosures and introducing a voluntary reporting framework. Additionally, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) now includes a de minimis exemption for small importers, reducing compliance obligations. The Second Omnibus Package on Investment Simplification introduces changes to the InvestEU Regulation to simplify access to funding, increase guarantees, and streamline processes, enabling SMEs to secure financing more efficiently. 

REGISTRATION

The European Cluster Collaboration Platform, on behalf of the European Commission, organises the EU Clusters Talk "Clusters & SMEs in the EU’s Simplification Agenda: Understanding the Omnibus Packages" on 26 March, 8:30 – 9:45 CET, to present the simplified rules on sustainability and EU investments, understand the benefits for SMEs, and discuss how clusters can support their members in navigating the changes.

Speakers will include: 

• Adrian Schertz, Policy Officer, DG GROW, European Commission
• Raffaella Bruzzone, Chair “Access2Finance” Thematic Group, Enterprise Europe Network, Chamber of Commerce of Genoa
• Sophia Zakari, Director, Enterprise and Legal Affairs, SMEunited
• Werner Pamminger, CEO, Business Upper Austria

This event is organised in collaboration with the Enterprise Europe Network. It is part of regular online meetings brought to the cluster community by the European Cluster Collaboration Platform. They offer up-to-date insights into the latest industrial policies and clusters’ involvement, projects and best practices, the latest ECCP news, and funding opportunities. The EU Clusters Talks are a space to exchange knowledge and to discuss cluster-relevant topics, which will change with every meeting.