German conservative Edmund Stoiber is urging the European Commission to take measures to strip up to €40 billion (us$59 billion) a year in administrative costs from its total annual burden of €360 billion (us$529 billion).

Stoiber has chaired the High Level Group of Independent Stakeholders on Administrative Burdens since its establishment in September 2007. The group’s purpose is to pinpoint where the administrative burden of unnecessary European Union legislation can be cut. Its second report, issued this month, details regulations in such areas as public procurement and financial services whose removal could save businesses more than €3 billion (us$4 billion) monthly.

Initially, the High Level Group was given a three-year mandate to slash the EU’s red tape, but European Commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso is now extending that term by two more years. “[O]ur ambitious project of getting rid of all unnecessary administrative burdens in the EU is not yet completed,” Barroso said.

Stoiber acknowledges the “big battle” he faces to get the measures approved quickly, but he believes that his political fame will aid his efforts. “I don’t have any problems,” he said, “getting access to the commissioners. I can call [German Chancellor Angela] Merkel or [French President] Nicolas Sarkozy or Dutch Prime Minister Jan Balkenende.”

Evidence shows that Stoiber’s clout with EU politicians is growing.

In August 2007, Stoiber fought against a requirement for him to report to Gunter Verheugen, European Commission vice president and industrial commissioner. Stoiber asked to instead report directly and only to Barroso, but his attempts effected no immediate change.

Now, Stoiber has gotten his wish.

“I have decided,” said Barroso in a speech last Friday, “that in the new Commission the better regulation services, notably those in charge of reducing administrative burdens, will act under my direct authority, together with impact assessment and ex-post evaluation” (emphasis ours).

Stoiber is willing to bide his time in order to have things his way, and he is wielding increasing influence in the highest echelons of EU government.

The Trumpet has been following Edmund Stoiber’s political career for some years. Editor in chief Gerald Flurry has said, “Stoiber has a vision for Germany, and he plans on taking the EU with him. But where would this vision take Europe? He wants a strong ‘federation’ within the EU. A powerful political government is one of his great passions.”

Stoiber’s recent success shows that his role within the EU is expanding. His advancing position could yet allow him to realize his vision for Germany.

The Trumpet is watching for a charismatic, organizational genius to emerge as a strongman to lead a united Europe. We believe Edmund Stoiber is a man to watch.