What's in the European Commission's 2026 work programme? Key policies explained

What are the European Commission’s main priorities for 2026?

Centred on what the Commission calls “the EU’s independence model”, the Commission’s 2026 programme revolves around three core pillars: 

• competitiveness, 

• security, 

• affordability. 

It aims to strengthen Europe’s capacity to act independently by reducing dependencies on foreign materials and technologies – especially in strategic sectors like energy, clean tech, and digital infrastructure.

Crucially, sustainability is presented as a driver of competitiveness, marking a shift away from the outdated “growth versus green” mindset. The EU now frames the green transition as a strategic investment in long-term prosperity, innovation, and resilience.

What are the key ecological and social initiatives in the EU Commission work programme? 

The ecological and social initiatives in the EU Commission work programme are focused on embedding sustainability and social fairness within competitiveness. The 2026 agenda contains some promising initiatives that move the EU closer to a fair, net-zero economy:

• Electrification Action Plan to accelerate Europe’s shift to clean energy.

• Phase-out of fossil fuel subsidies, a long-awaited measure to align public budgets with climate and economic goals.

• Energy Union Package covering energy efficiency, renewables, and CO₂ capture.

• Climate Package to keep the EU on track for its 2030 targets.

• Social leasing for zero-emission cars, aimed at making green mobility more affordable.

• Lead markets for clean technologies, designed to stimulate innovation and competitiveness.

• A big social dimension, with plans for a European Affordable Housing Plan, an Anti-Poverty Strategy, and measures to tackle short-term rental pressures in urban housing.

What are the main criticisms of the EU Commission work programme? 

There are significant concerns. Out of 47 planned initiatives, 25 are focused on “simplification” – a euphemism for deregulation in many cases. These include omnibus packages on energy products, taxation, and citizens’ rights, as well as dozens of proposals to update existing legislation.

While the Commission claims this is about reducing bureaucracy without lowering standards, past experiences show that “simplification” often comes at the expense of environmental and social protections. In 2025, for instance, similar packages weakened key green economy regulations – a short-term approach that undermines Europe’s long-term competitiveness. 

Efforts to simplify implementation and reduce unnecessary bureaucratic burdens are welcome. However, what we have seen from the Commission so far is not about that - it often serves as a pretext for deregulation or greenwashing. What we need instead are initiatives that speed up permitting for renewable energy projects, improve access to green investments, and make the transition faster and fairer.

Why does the EU Commission work programme matter for our future?

The 2026 work programme reflects an EU eager to stand on its own feet – a necessary ambition in an increasingly uncertain world. But independence should go hand in hand with sustainability and social progress, not come at their expense. True European strength will not be measured by how fast we deregulate, but by how boldly we invest in people, our planet, and long-term prosperity.

If the EU wants to remain competitive and resilient, it must see sustainability as the foundation of its independence, not an obstacle to it. By aligning industrial policy with climate ambition and ensuring that affordability and fairness remain at the core of every initiative, Europe can build an economy that is both secure and future-proof.