Thursday, 23 October 2025
The European Commission has presented its Work Programme for 2026, setting out a roadmap aimed at strengthening Europe’s independence, economic competitiveness, and social stability amid ongoing geopolitical and technological shifts. Titled “Europe’s Independence Moment,” the plan outlines 43 new initiatives and several key legislative priorities intended to consolidate the EU’s position as a global actor capable of delivering growth, security, and sustainability.
The 2026 agenda reflects continuity with the Union’s strategic goals under the European Green Deal and Digital Decade, while placing renewed emphasis on economic resilience, defence cooperation, and technological sovereignty. The Commission proposes measures to reduce dependency on external supply chains, boost clean energy investments, and modernise the EU’s industrial and innovation framework.
According to the accompanying staff document, the new programme builds on more than 90% of legislative proposals already agreed under the current mandate and focuses on implementation and delivery rather than expansion. The Commission will prioritise initiatives that reinforce Europe’s competitiveness, such as the Industrial Innovation Act, which aims to accelerate technology adoption in key sectors including clean tech, semiconductors, and digital infrastructure.
Another central pillar of the 2026 strategy is security and defence cooperation. The Commission plans to strengthen coordination across member states in critical areas such as cyber defence, strategic raw materials, and infrastructure protection. Efforts will also focus on enhancing the EU’s preparedness against hybrid and disinformation threats.
Social policy and equality remain integral to the programme. New initiatives will seek to advance social dialogue, ensure fair working conditions in the evolving digital economy, and expand education and training schemes under the European Skills Agenda.
In environmental policy, the Commission reaffirms its commitment to the 2040 climate targets, with updates to the EU Emissions Trading System and the launch of a “Circular Industry Transition” roadmap aimed at scaling recycling and low-carbon manufacturing.
The work programme also introduces initiatives to streamline governance within EU institutions, improve rule-of-law monitoring, and enhance citizen engagement through the European Democracy Action Plan.
Overall, the 2026 Work Programme positions the EU to move from crisis response to long-term transformation. By balancing strategic autonomy with global engagement, the Commission seeks to prepare Europe for an era defined by digitalisation, sustainability, and security — a vision encapsulated in its overarching message: ensuring “a resilient, sovereign, and competitive Europe.”
Source: European Commission
