Well-timed evaluation clauses and the use of sunset clauses

This measure is part of the Commission communication A Simpler, Clearer and Better Enforced EU Rulebook, adopted on 28 April 2026, in the section on future-proof and adaptive regulation. The Commission says EU and national rules must leave room to adapt to rapid technological and geopolitical change, and that it will ensure rules are re-examined and updated where necessary. It says it will use sunset clauses where appropriate so that laws lapse on a specified future date. Used together with well-timed monitoring and evaluation clauses, the Commission says, sunset clauses can help prevent the unnecessary proliferation of rules and reporting requirements and ensure that laws that are no longer relevant do not linger on the statute books. It adds that the language used for sunset, monitoring and evaluation clauses will be standardised and harmonised. The communication gives no implementation date for this measure.