The European Commission has adopted its 2027 work programme, setting out a broad agenda to build what it describes as a more independent, secure and prosperous Europe — covering everything from defence investment and Single Market deepening to social policy and democratic safeguards.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the programme "sets out ambitious policies to strengthen our Union's footprint," adding that the Commission would pursue "strategic, streamlined policies" to build "a strong, independent Europe" that delivers for citizens and businesses.
On the economic front, the Commission will continue implementing its One Europe, One Market roadmap and plans to establish a European Corporation on Critical Raw Materials. It will table proposals to complete the Savings and Investments Union — including a venture capital framework reform and a Bank competitiveness and simplification package — and will propose a blueprint for artificial intelligence applications in health, transport, agri-food, manufacturing, and defence and space, alongside a broader digital transformation package.
In the social domain, the Commission will restate its commitment to the European Pillar of Social Rights, build on the EU's Affordable Housing Plan with a housing simplification package, propose European university alliances 2.0 to improve higher education quality, and advance a European Care Deal to promote affordable, quality care.
Defence features prominently in the work programme. The Commission will continue implementing the EU-Ukraine Defence Industrial Pact, launch a new European Instrument for Strategic Enablers to boost defence capabilities, and introduce a European Security Emergency Protocol to allow faster responses to evolving security threats. Border security measures include a proposed European emergency response framework and a modernised Schengen visa framework.
On climate and quality of life, the Commission will propose a European Water Initiative, a European Heatwave Plan, and a Climate Insurance Alliance. It will also review nature protection directives and CO2 standards for heavy-duty vehicles in light of the EU's climate neutrality objective.
To mark seventy years since the signing of the Treaty of Rome, the Commission plans to convene a new Congress of Europe. Work under the European Democracy Shield will continue, including a Recommendation on Safety in politics and a follow-up Recommendation on conversion practices stemming from a European Citizens' Initiative.
The work programme is accompanied by the 2026 annual overview report on simplification and enforcement. The Commission launched 874 infringement procedures — the highest number in ten years — referred 61 cases to the Court of Justice and requested financial sanctions in 25 cases. It also closed 499 procedures where member states came into compliance. The report notes that Commission members held implementation dialogues engaging directly with over 1,500 stakeholders, including industry representatives, civil society, and public authorities.
This article is based on a primary source and has undergone editorial review prior to publication.
