On October 21, the European Commission (EC) presented its 2026 work program, which outlines a series of actions that will help build a more sovereign and independent Europe. It is designed as a transition plan between the current Commission’s priorities and the start of the new political cycle. The work program doubles down on the current Commission’s core priorities and aims to ensure Europe’s competitiveness, sustainability, and security, while maintaining social fairness and support for citizens.

Key aspects of the 2026 work program:

• Sustainable prosperity and competitiveness – The Commission will continue its work to strengthen Europe’s industrial base and support Europe’s strategic industries and jobs through a new Industrial Acceleration Act. This will increase Europe’s resilience in the supply of critical raw materials by establishing a Critical Raw Materials Center and adopting a Circular Economy Act. And it will aim to significantly unlock the potential of the single market by 2028 by removing barriers, establishing a European Innovation Act, creating a 28th regime for innovative companies, and promoting the “fifth freedom” of knowledge and innovation.
  
• Defense and security – The EC will build on the 2030 readiness framework – the main priorities are to strengthen the EU’s defense capabilities and improve cooperation with strategic partners. The EC will work on key initiatives such as the European Drone Defense Initiative, which is essential for Eastern Flank Watch. The Commission will also strengthen the Union’s border protection by combating organized crime and improving cross-border critical communication systems.
  
• Social model and the future of the labor market – To address the issues that European families face every day, the EC will propose a series of measures to tackle the affordability and cost-of-living crisis. The EC will propose a Quality Jobs Act. A fair labor mobility package, including a skills mobility initiative, will make qualifications more transferable. The root causes of poverty and the housing crisis will be addressed.
  
• Quality of life – food, water, nature – The Commission will present a livestock strategy and review rules on unfair trading practices in the food chain to support European farmers. This will ensure climate resilience through the European Climate Resilience Plan.
  
• Democracy and the rule of law – The Commission will help protect democratic institutions against extremism and disinformation, improve consumer protection, and review anti-fraud measures. Based on the recommendations of a group of experts, the EC will carefully examine issues related to young people, especially children and social media.
  
• Global engagement – Global partnerships will be strengthened and the EU will continue to strongly support Ukraine, providing unwavering support for its urgent financial and military needs and reconstruction efforts. Together with Moldova, its efforts to integrate into the EU will continue to be supported. Humanitarian aid will also be reformed to respond more quickly and effectively to crises. The EC will implement the Mediterranean Pact.

The work program reflects the EC’s commitment to making EU policy more practical, understandable, and closer to people and businesses, especially at a challenging time when Europe is facing global economic and security crises.