Each year, the European Commission adopts a work programme listing the actions it plans to carry out in the following year. The work programme informs citizens and co-legislators of political commitments regarding the presentation of new initiatives, the withdrawal of pending proposals, and the review of existing EU legislation.
The 2026 Work Programme, titled “Europe’s Moment of Independence”, strengthens the Commission’s core priorities by boosting competitiveness, promoting clean and digital innovation, consolidating the European social model, and ensuring collective security.
The programme is based on commitments set out in the Political Guidelines and mission letters sent by President von der Leyen to the European Commissioners, as well as ideas presented in the 2025 State of the Union address.
In 2026, the Commission aims to continue simplification efforts and reduce bureaucracy. The first synthesis report on simplification, implementation, and enforcement, published alongside the Work Programme, highlights progress made so far - including six omnibus packages and other simplification proposals - aimed at generating over €8.6 billion in annual savings for businesses and citizens.
Several new simplification proposals are planned in key sectors, including automotive, environment, taxation, food and feed safety, medical devices, and energy product legislation.
In parallel, implementation dialogues and practical checks will continue to identify further simplification opportunities.
The report also presents the Commission’s measures to support Member States in implementing EU policies. The Commission is currently managing over 1,500 infringement proceedings to ensure full application of Union rules.
The Commission specifically identifies a series of key priorities, which form the basis for individual initiatives:
- A new plan for sustainable prosperity and EU competitiveness
- A new era for defence and European security
- Supporting people, strengthening communities and the social model
- Supporting quality of life: food security, water, and nature
- Protecting democracy and upholding EU values
- A global EU: leveraging our role and partnerships
- Delivering together and preparing the Union for the future
Annexes
The Communication outlining the macro-objectives the Commission intends to achieve in 2025 is accompanied by annexes listing the initiatives the College will focus on. The list includes:
- 38 new policy initiatives, specifying the expected publication date, whether they are legislative, and if they fall under simplification activities.
- 20 evaluations and fitness checks of current policies.
- 111 pending proposals on which the Commission intends to conclude or continue work.
- 25 proposals to be withdrawn in the next six months (not included in this document).
- 1 planned repeal, concerning the Council Regulation establishing economic regimes for passive processing applicable to certain textile and clothing products re-imported into the Community after processing in some third countries.
Source: FEBIS / European Commission Publications
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