04 Nov 2026
EC presents its work programme for 2027
On 4 November 2026, the European Commission adopted its 2027 work programme 'European Union - standing up for one another', setting out its main legislative and non-legislative initiatives for the year ahead. It is accompanied by the 2026 annual overview report on simplification, implementation and enforcement, taking stock of progress towards simpler EU rules and more effective results on the ground. The Commission adopts a work programme every year, setting out the list of actions it will take in the following year.
The work programme for 2027 comprises 23 initiatives, compared to 45 initiatives in 2025, and 38 in 2026. The EC intends to put a stronger focus on delivering, implementing and enforcing existing policies, and will continue to implement the One Europe, One Market roadmap to boost competitiveness, deepen the Single Market and cut red tape and barriers to growth across Europe. The work programme also sets out how the Commission will strengthen Europe's unique social model, reduce strategic dependencies, strengthen the EU's defence, support Ukraine, expand global partnerships and protect democracy and citizens. New initiatives will be clear, agile and fit for purpose, the EC states. The work programme also emphasises the importance of active engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, as an essential prerequisite for effective legislation.
The following key deliverables are listed in the work programme 2027:
- Promoting sustainable prosperity and competitiveness
- Supporting people, strengthening our societies and social model
- Introducing a new era for defence and security
- Sustaining our quality of life
- Protecting democracy and upholding values
- Leveraging our power and partnerships abroad
- Delivering together and preparing our Union for the future
In the context of the last bullet point, preparing the Union for the future, the Commission renews its calls on co-legislators to reach a political agreement on the next 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework by the end of the year, with the aim of being ready to start implementing it from 1 January 2028.
Annex I of the work programme provides a list of the Commission's new initiatives, which includes, amongst others, a proposal for European Universities alliances 2.0 (legal status) and a skills guarantee. Annex II lists the priority pending proposals, including all files relating to the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Annex III includes the list of withdrawals, i.e. legislative proposals which the EC wants to withdraw within six months.
For more information:
2027 Commission work programme