Civil society organisations and trade unions are calling on EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to protect people, nature and democracy in a joint open letter. The letter was prompted by the EU Commission's announcement to increase the EU's competitiveness by simplifying legislation. This must not lead to the deregulation of key EU protection measures in the areas of social affairs, the environment, democracy and human rights as well as trade union rights, which are seen as burdensome by companies. Prioritising the interests of certain companies over the public interest is neither acceptable nor sustainable as an economic strategy. The signatories of the letter demand guarantees by the EU Commission against the rollback of social and environmental standards and for providing the regulations necessary for the social and ecological transition.