BRUSSELS, Belgium / EuroWire.IO / – The European Commission adopted its 2027 work programme on November 4, setting out 23 new initiatives for the year ahead. Alongside it, the Commission published its 2026 annual progress report on simplification, implementation and enforcement. The report says simplification measures proposed so far could save businesses and public administrations more than €22 billion a year. The programme aims to build a more independent, secure and prosperous Europe.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the programme was designed to equip Europe for the challenges ahead. She said it contained ambitious policies to strengthen the Union’s footprint, from deepening the Single Market to expanding global partnerships. With strategic and streamlined policies, the Commission would keep building a strong, independent Europe that delivers for citizens and businesses, she said. Next year, the Commission will focus on delivering and enforcing existing policies.
The number of new initiatives is lower than in previous years, with 38 in the 2026 programme and 45 in 2025, Agence Europe reported. Planned files include a banking simplification and competitiveness omnibus in the first quarter, a transport simplification package and a digital simplification and copyright package in the second quarter. A housing simplification package is also included. Commentators read the lower number as a shift towards implementing existing rules.
12 omnibus packages proposed so far
Since taking office, the Commission has proposed 12 omnibus packages and other simplification initiatives. Their potential savings of more than €22 billion a year represent nearly 60% of the target for its mandate. The figures cover proposals made between January 1, 2025 and July 31, 2026. Small and medium-sized enterprises account for nearly €8 billion of the savings, Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said. The Commission aims to reduce administrative burdens by 25% overall and 35% for SMEs.
The savings depend on the European Parliament and the Council adopting the pending proposals and on their implementation. The Commission said securing swift and ambitious agreements with the co-legislators remained key. Its priority now is to make sure that European businesses and citizens feel the impact of simpler rules. The Commission will also continue its One Europe, One Market roadmap to deepen the Single Market and cut red tape.
Energy prices and climate plans
The Commission will take coordinated action to address high energy prices, strengthen the economy and remove remaining barriers in the Single Market. The work programme also covers strengthening Europe’s social model, reducing strategic dependencies, reinforcing EU defence and supporting Ukraine. It includes plans to expand global partnerships and protect democracy and citizens. Work to prepare the 2028-2034 long-term EU budget will also continue during 2027.
On climate, the Commission will propose a European Water Initiative to improve the management of water resources. It will present a European Heatwave Plan to strengthen cross-sectoral action, and consider reinforcing the capacities and capabilities needed for future crises. The Commission said new initiatives would be clear, agile and fit for purpose. The programme was adopted at a time of major changes for the European Union.