The ÖGB Europabüro, the Brussels Office of the Austrian Trade Union Federation and AK EUROPA, the Brussels Office of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Labour, cordially invite you to the panel discussion: “Better Regulation” – A Threat to Workers’ and Consumers’ Rights?  Tuesday, 27 January 2015, 19:00h Permanent Representation of Austria to the EU, 1st floor 30, Avenue de Cortenbergh 1040 Brussels “Better regulation” is one of the declared objectives of the new Juncker-Commission. The reduction of “red tape” and administrative burdens would boost investments and growth by creating a more favourable environment for businesses. But “Better Regulation” has also been subject to criticism by trade unions and civil society. Already in the final report of the High Level Group on Administrative Burdens (Stoiber-Group) several proposed measures threaten workers’ rights and health and safety standards. Also the work programme of the new Commission for 2015 gives rise to concerns regarding worker’s consultation and information rights. On the other hand, unnecessary new initiatives like the highly criticized European Single-Member company (SUP) were not withdrawn.Will the new Commission succeed to find a proper balance between workers’ and citizens’ interests and cost reduction for business? How can social partners be involved more effectively in the better regulation process? Panellists: MEP Agnes JongeriusVice-Chair Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (S&D), former Member of the High Level Group on Administrative Burdens (Stoiber Group)Antoine ColombaniMember of Cabinet of First Vice President Frans Timmermans, European CommissionHeidi Rønne-MøllerEU Adviser of the Danish Trade Union Confederation of Professionals (FTF), former Member of the High Level Group on Administrative Burdens (Stoiber Group)  Erik BerggrenSenior Adviser at BUSINESSEUROPE, Member of the Working Group on Better RegulationUrsula PachlDeputy Director-General of the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) Moderation: Geoff Meade  The discussion will be held in English. A buffet will be offered following the event.