European Commission 2025 work programme
In February 2025, the European Commission published its annual Work Programme, Moving forward together: A Bolder, Simpler, Faster Union, aiming to enhance regulatory alignment between member states and outlining new strategies on environmental and digital policy.
The document sets out the policy priorities for 2025, with a focus on reinforcing the EU’s strategic resilience, boosting competitiveness, and simplifying regulatory frameworks. It comes at the beginning of a new institutional mandate and amid an evolving global landscape shaped by economic uncertainty, security concerns, and environmental challenges.
The Commission frames its programme around the objective of making the EU more responsive through simplified processes, faster delivery, and closer cooperation with stakeholders across sectors and member states.
At the core of the programme is a renewed focus on economic competitiveness. The Commission introduces the Clean Industrial Deal, a new initiative aimed at supporting industrial decarbonisation while strengthening strategic sectors. The policy is designed to align with the European Green Deal and includes measures to promote affordable energy, accelerate clean tech development, and enhance circularity in industrial processes.
A complementary Savings and Investment Union will aim to improve access to capital, particularly for SMEs, and support the integration of EU capital markets. The Commission also plans to advance a Single Market Strategy to reduce internal barriers, and to propose a harmonised legal regime, a “28th regime”, aiming to reduce regulatory fragmentation for businesses operating across multiple member states.
Legislative simplification
The 2025 programme includes a dedicated section on regulatory simplification. A first set of Omnibus proposals are set to be tabled to streamline existing legislation, targeting administrative burdens in areas such as sustainability reporting, agriculture, and product regulation. The Commission sets a target of reducing “administrative burdens” by 25 per cent across the board, and by 35 per cent for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Other simplification measures include proposals to phase out outdated paper-based requirements, align cybersecurity and data protection rules, and ease access to EU funding programmes. An annual plan for evaluations and “fitness checks” will support ongoing efforts to consolidate the legislative framework.
Defence, security, and migration
In light of growing security challenges, the Commission sets out plans to advance a more coordinated defence policy. A White Paper on the Future of European Defence is set to be published, aiming to launch discussions on common investment priorities and critical capabilities. Additional initiatives include a Preparedness Union Strategy to improve EU-level crisis response and resilience.
On migration, the Commission aims to continue work on implementing the Pact on Migration and Asylum, including a new European Migration and Asylum Strategy. A legislative framework is planned to improve the efficiency of return procedures, particularly through digitalisation. The programme emphasises cooperation with third countries to manage migration flows and support readmission.
Social and environmental objectives
The Commission highlights the importance of maintaining the EU’s social model during periods of transformation. A new Action Plan on the European Pillar of Social Rights is planned, focusing on employment, inclusion, and working conditions. The Union of Skills initiative will support education and training to address skills shortages and align workforce capabilities with green and digital transitions.
The programme also includes a Vision for Agriculture and Food, which aims to provide long-term stability for farmers and reinforce food security. Additional initiatives in environmental policy include a Water Resilience Strategy, the Ocean Pact, and reforms to chemicals legislation to simplify regulatory procedures without compromising safety standards.
Digital and technological development
To support the digital transition, the Commission plans to introduce a Digital Networks Act to enhance cross-border infrastructure and spectrum coordination. Further initiatives include an AI Continent Action Plan, a Quantum Act, and a Cloud and AI Development Act to strengthen EU capacities in emerging technologies.
The introduction of a European Business Wallet is also foreseen to facilitate secure digital exchanges between businesses and public administrations, potentially simplifying compliance and administrative procedures.
External relations and enlargement
In foreign policy, the EU will maintain its support for Ukraine and continue its focus on enlargement. Pre-enlargement policy reviews are planned to assess the institutional and financial impacts of future accessions. The Commission also outlines a broader strategic approach to the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions, as well as a renewed partnership agenda with India.
The Global Gateway investment strategy is to be scaled up, aiming to mobilise private capital in partner countries, especially in low- and middle-income regions, focusing on sustainable infrastructure and resilience.
Institutional reform
To align policy priorities with financial planning, the Commission says it will present a revised Multiannual Financial Framework. The new budget will aim to be simpler, more flexible, and better targeted. Measures to improve institutional transparency and strengthen cooperation with the European Parliament and Council are also outlined, including a revised Framework Agreement on inter-institutional relations.
Speaking upon publication, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said: “Our era’s greatest challenges – from security to climate change to competitiveness – can only be solved through joint action. Against this backdrop, I believe Europe must choose its best option: union.”
