The EU's fiscal rules need to be simplified and improved to ensure the sustainability of public finances. The rules should focus more on long-term debt sustainability and be easier to monitor. The proposed changes aim to strike a balance between member states' freedom and responsibility in fiscal policies. The new rules suggest emphasizing the expenditure benchmark over the structural balance for better fiscal policy guidance. National supervisors should have a stronger role, and solidarity in times of crisis should come with strict conditions for fiscal policy alignment with the reformed EU framework.