Key facts
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed using AI to reduce business reporting.
- The 'only once' principle aims to have companies submit data just one time.
- AI would assist public administrations in the efficient use of submitted data.
- The proposal was made during a meeting of the European People's Party on October 12, 2026.
- Von der Leyen also urged EU governments to avoid adding national requirements beyond EU legislation.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed leveraging artificial intelligence to simplify administrative processes for businesses across the European Union. Speaking at a European People's Party meeting on October 12, 2026, von der Leyen outlined a plan to implement an 'only once' approach to business reporting.
Under this initiative, companies would submit required information only one time, with AI tools then enabling public administrations to efficiently utilize the data. Von der Leyen emphasized that European businesses are currently burdened by repetitive reporting requirements, a drain on time that the bloc cannot afford. This marks the first explicit proposal from von der Leyen to use AI for reducing the administrative workload on businesses.