New European ‘Digital Omnibus’: Regulatory Simplification and Legal Certainty
The European Commission has launched a regulatory review process in the technology sector known as the ‘Digital Omnibus’, which is not a standalone regulation but a set of initiatives aimed at simplifying and coordinating existing legislation.
This process forms part of the European strategy for better regulation, with the aim of reducing administrative burdens, eliminating duplication and strengthening legal certainty in an increasingly complex digital environment.
Legal nature of the initiative
Unlike other reforms, the so-called “digital omnibus” does not take the form of a single piece of legislation, but rather a process of reviewing various European regulations already in force.
In this regard, the initiative provides for the introduction of amendments, adjustments and implementing measures to existing legislation.
European legislation affected (key facts)
The simplification process affects the main European regulations in the digital sphere:
- Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR), of 27 April 2016 – applicable from 25 May 2018.
- Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 (Digital Services Act – DSA), of 19 October 2022 – applicable from 17 February 2024.
- Regulation (EU) 2022/1925 (Digital Markets Act – DMA), of 14 September 2022 – applicable from 2 May 2023.
- Regulation (EU) 2023/2854 (Data Act), of 13 December 2023 – main application from 12 September 2025.
These rules form the core of the European digital regulatory framework and are being reviewed to avoid duplication and facilitate compliance.
Main objectives
Key objectives of the ‘digital omnibus’ include:
- Reduction of administrative burdens
- Regulatory harmonisation
- Improvement of legal certainty
The aim is to facilitate regulatory compliance without lowering protection standards.
Current situation
The initiative is currently in the public consultation phase, so no specific amendments have yet been adopted.
Its effects are expected to be implemented through amendments to European regulations and delegated acts.
Impact on businesses
Businesses will need to adapt gradually to these changes. The ‘digital omnibus’ does not entail deregulation, but rather a simplification of compliance.
The key will be to comply more efficiently within a more coherent regulatory environment.
