Europe’s independence moment takes shape in 2026 programme

BRUSSELS — The European Commission unveiled its 2026 work programme, outlining a sweeping agenda to strengthen Europe’s sovereignty, competitiveness and resilience amid mounting geopolitical and economic pressures.

Titled “Europe’s Independence Moment”, the plan builds on President Ursula von der Leyen’s 2025 State of the Union address and seeks to steer the bloc toward greater autonomy and unity. 

A call for sovereignty

The agreement “marks another significant step towards a stronger, more sovereign Europe,” von der Leyen declared in Brussels, framing the coming year as one of consolidation and delivery.

Her priorities: protect citizens, boost competitiveness, simplify rules and address the affordability crisis.

The programme places economic security and technological independence at the heart of the EU’s agenda, reaffirming continued support for Ukraine and efforts to cut strategic reliance on energy, raw materials and digital infrastructure.

Cutting red tape, delivering results

Brussels wants to prove that it can do more with less. The Commission has pledged to reduce administrative burdens by 25 per cent overall — and by 35 per cent for SMEs — without compromising standards. 

Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis said rules should empower people and businesses rather than burden them, adding that the Commission is fostering a culture focused on results, not red tape.

An accompanying Overview Report on Simplification, Implementation and Enforcement highlights progress so far, with six omnibus packages already saving an estimated €8.6 billion annually and more than 1,500 enforcement cases underway to ensure EU law is properly applied.

Competitiveness and clean innovation

Industry and innovation sit at the heart of the plan. A new Industrial Accelerator Act will reinforce Europe’s strategic industrial sectors and jobs, while a Critical Raw Materials Centre will monitor and secure vital supply chains. 

These actions are expected to help unlock the Single Market’s potential by 2028, promoting what Brussels is calling a “fifth freedom” of knowledge and innovation.

Defence, migration and resilience

Security and migration continue to dominate Europe’s strategic agenda. Building on the Readiness 2030 framework, the Commission will launch a European Drone Defence Initiative for the Eastern Flank, improve cross-border communication systems and reinforce border management. 

The Pact on Migration and Asylum will move from blueprint to implementation, introducing tougher sanctions on traffickers and a digitalised return system coordinated by Frontex.

Social and global focus

At home, the focus shifts to social resilience. The Commission will propose a Quality Jobs Act and Fair Labour Mobility Package to make qualifications more portable across borders, along with a European Affordable Housing Plan and Anti-Poverty Strategy to ease the cost-of-living crisis.

Abroad, the EU pledges steadfast support for Ukraine and deeper integration with Moldova. This comes alongside a roll out of new frameworks designed to strengthen stability and partnership beyond Europe’s borders.

Financing ambition

To deliver on this agenda, the Commission’s proposed €2 trillion multiannual budget for 2028–2034 budget will be pivotal.

Von der Leyen urged Parliament and Council to swiftly agree on the framework, warning that  “Europe [must] match its ambitions with the resources it needs.”