The EU Commission has unveiled its 2026 work programme geared to EU priorities of boosting competitiveness, harnesssing the power of the Single Market, simplifying EU rules and addressing the affordability crisis.
The work programme, entitled ‘Europe’s independence moment’, addresses challenges arising from threats to Europe’s security and democracy, to conflicts and geopolitical tensions, risks to the European economy and industry, and accelerating climate change.
“The 2026 work programme marks another significant step towards a stronger, more sovereign Europe,” said the Commission president Ursula von der Leyen: “We will continue working closely with the European Parliament and the Council to deliver on Europe’s priorities, to boost competitiveness, harness the power of our Single Market, simplify our rules and address the affordability crisis. Together, we will protect our citizens and uphold our values.”
The Commission continues a theme of cutting red tape for people, business and administrations.
An overview report on simplification, implementation and enforcement, also adopted today, highlights the progress achieved so far – such as the six ‘omnibus’ packages and other simplification proposals aiming to bring over €8.6 billion in annual cost savings for business and citizens.
Many of next year’s initiatives will also focus on making EU laws simpler and reducing costs. Several ‘simplification’ proposals are foreseen across key sectors – including automotive, environment, taxation, food and feed safety, medical devices and simplifying energy product legislation.
Key deliverables of 2026 work programme include:
- Sustainable prosperity and competitiveness: The Commission will pursue its work to strengthen Europe’s industrial base and support Europe’s strategic industrial sectors and jobs through a new Industrial Accelerator Act. It will increase Europe’s resilience in critical raw materials supply through the creation of a Critical Raw Materials Centre, as well as the Circular Economy Act. And it will aim to substantially unlock the potential of the Single Market by 2028 by removing barriers, establishing a European Innovation Act, setting up a 28th regime for innovative companies and promoting a “fifth freedom” for knowledge and innovation.
- Defence and security: strengthening the EU’s defence capabilities, working on the European Drone Defence Initiative, seen as essential for the Eastern Flank Watch. The Commission will also focus on putting the Pact on Migration and Asylum into practice.
- Social model and innovation: a series of measures to address affordability and costs of living crisis.
- Quality of life – food, water, nature: The Commission will put forward the livestock strategy and review rules on unfair trading practices in the food chain to support European farmers.
- Democracy and Rule of Law: the Commission will help to shield democratic institutions against extremism and disinformation, enhance consumer protection and review anti-fraud measures.
- Global engagement: the EU will continue to stand firmly with Ukraine, providing support for its urgent financial and military needs and reconstruction efforts. A Middle East strategy will include supporting the transition in Syria and Lebanon.
2026 Commission work programme
2025 Overview Report on simplification
Questions and answers on the 2026 Commission work programme
Questions and answers on the 2025 Overview Report
