The European Commission has unveiled its 2026 work programme, which outlines a series of actions to help build a more sovereign and independent Europe. The work programme, entitled ‘Europe’s independence moment’, addresses challenges arising from threats to the continent’s security and democracy, to conflicts and geopolitical tensions, to risks to the economy and industry, and accelerating climate change.
The 2026 work programme builds on the commitments set out in the Political Guidelines and mission letters sent by President Ursula von der Leyen to the College of EU Commissioners and the ideas set out in the 2025 State of the Union address. The work programme doubles down on the current core priorities of the Commission by aiming to strengthen competitiveness, lead in clean and digital innovation, strengthen Europe’s unique social model and ensure collective security.
Ursula von der Leyen said: “The 2026 work programme marks another significant step towards a stronger, more sovereign Europe. 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.”
In 2026, the European Commission will continue to cut red tape for people, business and administrations. The first overview report on simplification, implementation and enforcement 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. At the same time, implementation dialogues and reality checks will continue to help the Commission identify further simplification opportunities, including to reduce burdens for citizens.
Key deliverables of the 2026 work programme
- 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 and establishing a European Innovation Act.
- Defence and security: The European Commission will build on the Readiness 2030 framework – strengthening the EU’s defence capabilities and enhancing cooperation with strategic partners are key priorities. It will work on flagships as European Drone Defence Initiative, which is essential for the Eastern Flank Watch. The Commission will also reinforce the protection of the Union’s borders, fighting organised crime and enhancing cross-border critical communication systems. It will focus on putting the Pact on Migration and Asylum into practice.
- Social model and innovation: To address issues that European families face every day, the Commission will put forward a series of measures to address affordability and costs of living crisis. It will propose a Quality Jobs Act. The Fair labour mobility package, including the skills mobility initiative, will make the qualifications more portable. Root causes of poverty and the housing crisis will be addressed.
- 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. It will ensure climate resilience through the European climate adaptation plan. The Ocean Act will guide European ocean governance.
- Democracy and Rule of Law: The European Commission will help to shield democratic institutions against extremism and disinformation, enhance consumer protection and review anti-fraud measures. It will look closely at issues around young people, particularly children and social media, building on recommendations of the Panel of experts. The Commission will continue building on the Equality Union through new strategies on gender equality and disability rights.
- Global engagement: Global partnerships will be reinforced, and EU will continue to stand firmly with Ukraine, providing steadfast support for its urgent financial and military needs and reconstruction efforts. And its EU integration efforts will continue to be supported, alongside Moldova. Humanitarian aid will also be reformed for faster, more effective crisis responses. The European Commission will roll out the Pact for Mediterranean.
The European Commission’s plan to withdraw the Directive on European Cross-Border Associations (ECBA), as announced in its 2026 Work Programme, raises serious concerns among civil society actors. This move runs counter to the EU’s stated commitment to strengthening citizen participation and democratic engagement across Europe.
The ECBA Directive would make it easier for civil society organisations to cooperate across borders, removing the legal and administrative barriers that still fragment our civic space. Today, associations unite more than 135 million members throughout the EU — a powerful force for democracy, solidarity, and community life. The ECBA would provide a long-overdue legal framework to support this reality.
The Commission cites a “lack of progress in the legislative process” — in plain terms, insufficient support from Member States — as the reason for withdrawal. Yet abandoning the proposal would be a serious setback for regional and macro-regional cooperation. It would leave citizens and organisations struggling with outdated national rules that make cross-border initiatives cumbersome or even impossible.
