European Commission to focus on a more independent Europe next year

TALLINN - The European Commission on Tuesday unveiled its work program for the upcoming year, outlining a series of measures aimed at enhancing European sovereignty and independence.

The program addresses current and future challenges, including threats to security and democracy, economic risks, and accelerating climate change. It is based on President von der Leyen's political guidelines, mission letters to the College of Commissioners, and this year's State of the European Union address.

Next year, the Commission will continue its efforts to reduce bureaucracy for citizens, businesses, and public administrations. The first comprehensive report on simplification, application, and enforcement, adopted on Tuesday, highlights progress to date, including six omnibus simplification packages and other proposals resulting in over 8.6 billion euros in cost savings.

Many of next year's initiatives will also focus on simplifying EU legislation and reducing costs. Several simplification proposals are planned for key sectors, including energy products, the automotive industry, environmental regulations, taxation, food and feed safety, and medical devices.

The Commission will continue efforts to strengthen Europe's industrial base, supporting strategic industrial sectors and jobs through new sectoral plans and an Industrial Accelerator Regulation. It will also establish a critical raw materials hub and adopt a circular economy regulation. A key goal is to better harness the potential of the single market by 2028 by removing barriers, establishing a European Innovation Regulation and a so-called "28th regime" for innovative companies, and promoting a fifth freedom of movement for knowledge and innovation.

The European Union's defense capabilities will be strengthened, and cooperation with strategic partners enhanced. Flagship initiatives to defend the eastern flank, such as the European Drone Defence Initiative, will be developed. The Commission will also bolster the protection of EU borders, combat organized crime, and improve vital cross-border communication systems. Additionally, the Commission will focus on implementing the migration pact.

To improve skills portability, a labor mobility package will be adopted that will also tackle the root causes of poverty and the housing crisis. A legislative proposal on quality jobs will also be introduced.

The Commission will present a livestock farming strategy and review rules on unfair trading practices in the food supply chain to support European farmers. Climate resilience will be advanced through the European Climate Change Adaptation Plan.

The Commission will help protect democratic institutions from extremism and disinformation, enhance consumer protection, and review anti-fraud measures. It will also seek solutions to challenges facing young people, particularly children, related to social media use. Furthermore, the Commission will continue to advance the Union of Equality through new strategies for gender equality and the rights of persons with disabilities.

Global partnerships will be strengthened, with continued support for Ukraine's reconstruction and the EU integration aspirations of both Ukraine and Moldova. The humanitarian aid delivery system will be reformed for a faster and more effective response to crises.

This summer, the Commission proposed a multiannual financial framework of nearly 2 trillion euros. Consequently, the Commission urges the European Parliament and the Council to reach a swift agreement on this framework and to advance key legislative priorities.