European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted cutting bureaucracy amid efforts to make the European Union more competitive in remarks to German business leaders in Berlin on Tuesday. "We continue to be the economic area that exports the most worldwid. But I'm saying clearly that we have to step up a gear to secure what has been achieved and to remain ahead. We have to become faster, more digital and cleaner," the German politician said. Cutting EU red tape was making progress, s