EU economics ministers on Thursday launched a new bid to cut EU red tape in a drive to make the regulatory environment in Europe easier for business. Meeting in Brussels for a competitiveness council, ministers agreed to simplify existing regulations in several areas, including environment, statistics, internal market, corporate law, social policy and health. They also agreed to scrap about 100 draft laws in the pipeline and subject any new proposals to a "rigorous impact assessment." The simplification drive reflects determination both by the Dutch presidency and the European Commission to improve Europe’s business environment and boost its competitiveness. Commission President Jose Barroso has put the EU’s so-called Lisbon agenda -- its goal of becoming the most competitive economy in the World by 2010 -- at the top of his priority list. (EUobserver.com)