2026 Work Programme: simplification at the core

On 21 October, the European Commission presented its 2026 Work Programme, outlining 38 new initiatives, 20 evaluations, and 111 ongoing proposals for the year ahead.

Under the title “Europe’s Independence Moment,” the programme outlines legislative priorities to enhance the EU’s economic resilience, climate ambition, and industrial competitiveness, placing renewed focus on regulatory simplification and strategic autonomy.

Over half of next year’s initiatives aim to reduce administrative burdens and modernise EU law.

Building on the Overview Report on Simplification, Implementation and Enforcement, which was published at the same time, the Commission reiterates its goal to cut regulatory costs by 25–35%, particularly for SMEs.

To this end, each Commissioner will conduct a comprehensive review of their portfolio to ensure legislation remains relevant, proportionate and fit for purpose.

The document announced that the Circular Economy Act will be presented slightly earlier than previously foreseen, now scheduled for Q3 2026.

In the Communication accompanying the Work Programme, the Commission highlights the Circular Economy Act as a flagship initiative and a crucial enabler of the Clean Industrial Deal and Europe’s long-term climate and resource independence strategy.

Files that the Commission will continue to work on next year include the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).

Interestingly, the Green Claims Directive remains also listed as an ongoing file, although the Commission had announced plans in June to withdraw the proposal and had cancelled subsequent trilogue meetings.

By contrast, the anticipated Environment Omnibus is absent from the work programme, likely because it is still planned for release before the end of this year.

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