EUROPEAN COMMISSION
DAILY NEWS
Brussels, 21/10/2025
European Commission appoints a new Deputy Director-General in its Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology
The European Commission today appointed Despina Spanou as Deputy Director-General in charge of the Directorate for Cybersecurity and Trust at the Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CNECT). This Commission department develops and implements policies to make Europe fit for the digital age. The date of effect will be determined later.
With over 25 years of experience in the European Commission, Ms Spanou offers extensive expertise in cybersecurity policy, consumer protection, and digital transformation. She has a deep understanding of the EU's institutional architecture and decision-making processes, combined with strong management experience leading diverse teams and major policy initiatives in cybersecurity and digital transformation. Ms Spanou has consistently demonstrated excellence in stakeholder engagement, policy design, and coordination, as well as in steering complex legislative negotiations. She led the negotiations for the Cybersecurity Act and the EU Cybersecurity Blueprint, and played a central role in creating the EU Cybersecurity Skills Academy and the Women4Cyber initiative. Her broad experience and proven leadership make her well placed to contribute decisively to DG CNECT's work.
Despina Spanou, a Cypriot and Greek national, is currently Principal Adviser for cybersecurity and cross-cutting issues at DG CNECT. She previously served as Head of Cabinet to Vice-President Margaritis Schinas, Director for Digital Society, Trust and Cybersecurity at DG CNECT, and Director for Consumers at the Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers (DG JUST). Earlier, she was Deputy Head of Cabinet to Commissioners Markos Kyprianou and Androulla Vassiliou. Before joining the European Commission in 2003, she worked for a law firm.
(For more information: Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Isabel Otero Barderas – Tel.: +32 2 296 69 25)
European Commission appoints a new Deputy Director-General in its Directorate-General for Budget
The European Commission today appointed Beatriz Sanz Redrado as Deputy Director-General in charge of Financial Rules, Controls & Reporting at the Directorate-General for Budget (DG BUDG). This Commission department is responsible for ensuring the EU has a reliable and well-managed budget. It helps planning the EU's finances, manages contributions from Member States, and supports the delivery of policies across Europe. The date of effect will be determined later.
Drawing on over three decades of professional experience, including close to 15 years at the European Commission, Ms Sanz Redrado has developed strong expertise in financial oversight, strategic management, and audit. Throughout her career, she has gained deep proficiency in managing complex financial controls, overseeing budget and resource implementation across Commission services, and improving reporting processes. She also possesses strong analytical skills essential for strengthening transparency and accountability in financial management. Her leadership experience spans multiple domains, demonstrating adaptability to demanding roles and a broad range of policy areas. She has also advanced the integration of digital tools to modernise and streamline financial systems and procedures. With her solid understanding of institutional frameworks and regulatory environments, Ms Sanz Redrado is well equipped to support the strategic financial management of DG BUDG, ensuring sound financial governance and compliance.
Beatriz Sanz Redrado, a Spanish and French national, currently serves as Director for Treasury, Accounting and Financial Reporting at DG BUDG and Accounting officer for the European Commission, where she has also acted as Deputy Director-General for over a year. Prior to this, she was Director for Change Management and Resources at the Directorate-General for Digital Services (DIGIT). She also served as Director for General Affairs at the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), having previously been Director for Investigation Support in the same EU body. Before joining the European Commission in 2012, Ms Sanz Redrado worked in the audit field in the private sector.
The European Commission appoints a Principal Adviser for the Regulatory Scrutiny Board
The European Commission today appointed Emmanuelle Maincent as Principal Adviser for the Regulatory Scrutiny Board (RSB). The RSB is an independent body within the Commission that advises the College of Commissioners, providing central quality control and support for Commission impact assessments and evaluations at early stages of the legislative process. The date of effect will be determined later.
Drawing on over 30 years of experience – including nearly two decades at the European Commission – Ms Maincent has developed a strong background spanning economic policy, revenue management, and strategic negotiations, all essential areas for her new role. Her career reflects a sustained commitment to shaping EU economic governance, from steering major reforms to strengthening the Union's revenue framework. She has extensive expertise in negotiations with external stakeholders, policy design and legislative drafting, notably having recently led the preparation of the legal proposals on new Own Resources for the EU budget. She has also demonstrated strong management and coordination skills, leading multidisciplinary teams and advancing initiatives on structural reforms, economic analysis, and revenue accounting. This broad experience equips her to contribute effectively to the Commission's Better Regulation agenda, ensuring that impact assessments and evaluations are rigorous, evidence-based, and aligned with the EU's strategic priorities.
A French national, Ms Maincent currently heads the Risk Management Unit in the Chief Risk Officer's office within the Directorate-General for Budget (DG BUDG). Between 2017 and 2024, she led the Revenue Policy and Own Resources Unit at the same DG. She previously served as Head of Unit for the assessment and benchmarking of national reforms and earlier as Head of Unit for analysing the impact of EU policies on national economies, both at the Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs (DG ECFIN). She joined the European Commission in 2003, after working as an economist and researcher in several think tanks.
European Commission appoints a new Director in its Directorate-General for Communication
The European Commission today appointed Sylvain Hubert as Director ´Communication Support Services´ at the Directorate-General for Communication (DG COMM). This Commission department is responsible for explaining EU policies to outside audiences. It keeps the Commission abreast of political developments and of trends in public opinion and the media. The date of effect will be determined later.
With 20 years of experience in the European Commission, Mr Hubert brings extensive expertise in legal affairs, communication, and resource management. He combines a deep understanding of the institutional structures and decision-making processes of the Commission, and in particular the key operational aspects of DG COMM. He draws on solid management experience to convert strategic objectives into coherent operational plans, ensuring their effective execution. His professional track record spans communication, financial management, procurement, infrastructure, security, and human resources, combined with broad managerial expertise across areas critical to DG COMM's operations. With this robust experience, Mr Hubert is well placed to lead the Communication Support Services, ensuring operational efficiency and readiness across DG COMM under the guidance of its Director-General.
Sylvain Hubert, a French national, currently serves as Head of Unit in DG COMM, where he is responsible for planning, budget, evaluation, and legal affairs. Within DG COMM, he previously headed the Unit for Infrastructure and Security of the Representations in the Member States. He also served as Deputy Head of Unit and HR Correspondent in the Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development (currently DG INTPA), where he managed human resources for headquarters and coordinated HR matters across EU Delegations worldwide. Before joining the European Commission in 2005, Mr Hubert worked in the public sector in France.
Commission steps up efforts to lower energy prices for industries and consumers
The Commission is doubling down on its efforts to lower energy prices and effectively bring quick relief to industrial and households' consumers. Energy prices in Europe remain too high compared to our competitors, with a risk of hindering the competitiveness of major industrial players and our economy overall, as well as the quality of life of our citizens.
Building on the Affordable Energy Action Plan put forward at the very beginning of the mandate, the Commission is now setting out 7 specific actions to be implemented in close cooperation with the Member States to urgently bring energy prices down. These actions include making full use of the enhanced state aid framework, maximising the use of EU cohesion funds, putting focus on cross-border interconnectors and grid infrastructure, and further diversifying our gas supplies.
Another key factor keeping energy prices high in Europe relates to taxation, especially for electricity. Taxes can represent up to a third of the energy bill. Reducing them can make a real, immediate difference, notably for energy-intensive industries and vulnerable consumers. The Commission will shortly issue recommendations and come forward with additional assistance on lowering energy bill taxation.
These actions build on practices that have proved efficient in recent years. The Commission has and will continue to provide all the support it can to the Member States in tackling this crucial challenge.
Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen said: “We have taken action to lower energy prices from day one, most notably with the Affordable Energy Action Plan, that starts showing its effects on the ground. However, prices remain too high compared to our main competitors. Our citizens and our businesses, notably energy-intensive industries, need quick relief. It is our shared responsibility, together with Member States, to step up the game and deliver concrete solutions fast."
More information on the actions to lower energy prices is available online.
(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Ana Crespo Parrondo – Tel.: +32 2 298 13 25)
Commission supports media literacy projects with €3 million
The European Commission is making €3 million available for projects that aim to strengthen people's awareness and skills in navigating the media and online landscapes. Citizens' ability to critically assess the content they interact with and make well-informed decisions is a crucial part in curbing the spread of disinformation.
These projects must be innovative, can work both online or offline, should make media literacy more engaging and should help media literacy professionals adapt to new formats and consumption trends.
The call for proposals, open until 11 March 2026, is part of the Creative Europe Programme and invites partners from different countries participating in the programme to develop projects aiming to build societal resilience against disinformation and information manipulation.
Building societal resilience, supporting media literacy and independent journalism is part of the wider Commission's effort to empower Europeans to make informed decisions and to participate actively in democratic processes. It will also be a central part of the upcoming European Democracy Shield, as announced in the 2025 State of the Union Address by President von der Leyen.
(For more information: Markus Lammert — Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Patricia Poropat — Tel.: +32 2 298 04 85)
Commission launches flagship initiative to increase use of AI in healthcare
Today, the Commission has launched COMPASS-AI – a new initiative that includes the establishment of a community of experts to advance the safe and effective use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. This is one of the flagship measures in the Commission's recent Apply AI Strategy. The initiative will work to promote the responsible and effective integration of AI into clinical settings.
It will focus, in particular, on two priority areas: cancer care and healthcare in remote areas. Supported by partners with extensive networks across hospitals, professional societies and EU AI-healthcare projects, the initiative will also launch an interactive digital platform to map best practices and facilitate knowledge exchange. The network will deliver AI deployment guidelines and work to raise AI literacy of healthcare professionals, hospital managers and patients.
Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, Olivér Várhelyi, said: “AI has the potential to transform healthcare by advancing precision medicine through enhancing prevention, speeding up clinical trials, improving diagnostic accuracy, optimising treatment decision-making and by streamlining workflows. It can also enable more personalised care, improving health outcomes for Europeans. To fully realise these benefits, we must ensure broader uptake and integration of trustworthy AI solutions across healthcare systems. Building on key European Commission priorities such the European Health Data Space, COMPASS-AI will advance health innovation and promote the adoption of AI in healthcare across Europe. For this purpose, the upcoming Biotech Act at the end of this year, that focuses primarily on health, will be instrumental.”
The Apply AI Strategy sets out how to speed up the use of AI in Europe's key industries and the public sector. Healthcare is at the forefront of this transformation and is where citizens will first experience the benefits of trustworthy European AI, improving diagnosis, strengthening personalised prevention, supporting doctors, and accelerating the discovery of new treatments.
(For more information: Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Anna Gray – Tel.: +32 2 298 08 73)
Commission gathers views on the future Advanced Materials Act
The European Commission has launched a call for evidence and a public consultation on the upcoming Advanced Materials Act, a key initiative under the Competitiveness Compass.
The act will establish a strategic framework for the development, deployment and production of advanced materials. This is crucial for Europe's industrial leadership, strategic autonomy and competitiveness. Advanced materials are intentionally designed and engineered materials with innovative properties and functionalities, which can be used in products from wearable electronic devices to electric vehicles.
Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, said: "We want Europe to be at the forefront of developing advanced materials that are key to today's and tomorrow's innovations. We want to hear from everyone interested, researchers, businesses, small and medium businesses, and policymakers, to build a strong framework that supports industrial innovation and competitiveness."
The act is expected to be proposed in 2026, supporting the full research and innovation lifecycle, from design and development to manufacturing and deployment. At the same time, it will address key challenges such as the lengthy time from the design until deployment and commercialisation, as well as the expansion of production capacities of advanced materials in the EU. It will also streamline regulatory processes, boost EU competitiveness, and foster a more sustainable and circular economy.
Contributions can be submitted via the Have Your Say portal until 13 January 2026.
(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Nika Blazevic – Tel. + 32 2 299 27 17)
Commission proposes targeted measures to ensure the timely implementation of EU Deforestation Regulation
The Commission is today proposing targeted solutions to support companies, global stakeholders, third countries and Member States to ensure a smooth implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) [will be uploaded shortly].
With today's proposal, the Commission wants to make sure that the IT system is fully operational to address the EU's contribution to the global challenge of deforestation. At the same time, the proposal will simplify reporting obligations, notably for micro and small primary operators from low risk countries worldwide, while maintaining a robust tracking mechanism.
The EUDR is a key initiative to fight deforestation. The Commission is committed to pursuing its objectives.
Key measures
Taking into account feedback from stakeholders in the context of the Commission's simplification efforts throughout the year, the Commission proposal introduces targeted simplifications to reduce obligations for:
Operators and traders that commercialise the relevant EUDR products once they have been placed on the EU market. These can be, for example, retailers or large EU manufacturing companies. These companies are in the downstream part of the relevant value chains. The upstream operator will continue to exercise due diligence.
Micro and small primary operators from low-risk countries worldwide who sell their goods directly on the European market. These cover close to 100% of farmers and foresters in the EU.
To allow for a more efficient use of the IT system, the Commission proposes that downstream operators and traders should no longer be obliged to submit due diligence statements. With this streamlining, only one submission in the EUDR IT system at the entry point in the market will be required for the entire supply chain. The reporting obligations and the responsibility would be focused on the operators placing first the products on the market. For example, cocoa beans would need only one due diligence statement to be submitted by the importer placing them on the EU market, but downstream manufacturers of chocolate products will not be required to submit a new due diligence statement in the IT system.
With the meaningful simplification proposed today, micro and small primary operators would only submit a simple, one-off declaration in the EUDR IT system. When the information is already available, for instance in a Member State database, the operators do not have to take any action in the IT System themselves. This simplification replaces the previous need for regular submissions of due diligence statements.
Transitional period for companies to strengthen the IT system
The Commission is also proposing transitional periods to guarantee a smooth transition and strengthen the IT system.
Concretely this means that the EUDR will enter into application on 30 December 2026 for micro- and small enterprises. For large and medium companies, the date remains 30 December 2025 but to ensure a gradual phase-in of the rules, they will benefit from a grace period of six months for checks and enforcement.
The Commission has been deploying the IT system in close cooperation with stakeholders, as foreseen in the legislation, since its launch in December 2024. In the context of this dialogue, new projections on the number of expected operations and interactions between economic operators and the IT system have led to a substantial reassessment of the projected load on the IT system – being much higher than anticipated. The system must be capable of handling all due diligence statements for products covered by the law and submitted by all operators.
The new entry into application dates, combined with the simplification of obligations for supply chain actors aims to ensure that the IT system can sustain the level of expected loads.
The Commission is also working on contingency plans, so that economic operators can comply with their obligations, should this legal proposal not be adopted in time by the co-legislators, in which case the EUDR will enter into application on 30 December 2025.
Next steps
The European Parliament and the Council will now discuss the Commission's proposal. They would need to formally adopt the targeted amendment of the EU Deforestation Regulation before it can come into effect.
The Commission calls on the European Parliament and the Council to swiftly adopt the proposal for an extended implementation period by the end of year 2025.
Background
The EU Deforestation Regulation aims to ensure that a set of key goods placed on the EU market will no longer contribute to deforestation and forest degradation in the EU and elsewhere in the world. Deforestation and forest degradation are important drivers of climate change and biodiversity loss — the two key environmental challenges of our time. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) estimates that 420 million hectares of forest — an area larger than the European Union — were lost to deforestation between 1990 and 2020. Based on 2015–2020 deforestation rates, every minute three times the surface of the Parc Léopold bordering the European Parliament in Brussels.
Since the entry into force of the EUDR in June 2023, the Commission has consistently worked with stakeholders on how to facilitate a simple, fair and cost-efficient implementation of the EUDR. Over the past years, the Commission has focused on setting up all the necessary infrastructure for the EUDR to enter into application, notably through additional Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) documents published in April 2025, as well as in the Benchmarking Implementing Regulation published in May 2025.
The Commission has also undertaken a simplification effort from different angles, which, according to estimations, would lead to 30% reduction of administrative costs and burden for companies.
In December 2024 the European Union granted a 12-month additional phasing-in period, making the law applicable on 30 December 2025 for large and medium companies and 30 June 2026 for micro and small enterprises.
For more information
Development and update of guidance documents and the setting up and opening of the IT system
Quote(s)
This approach provides certainty and stability, streamlining the tracking process for micro and small producers who, while individually posing little risk, collectively provide critical data for maintaining overall traceability. We offer a clear implementation schedule that ensures the regulation will take effect seamlessly starting end of this year, allowing large operators to progressively adapt while giving micro and small producers more time to adjust.
Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition
Today we are presenting a package that responds to real implementation challenges. It simplifies the rules notably for small farmers and operators, while maintaining Europe’s global leadership in the fight against deforestation. It is not about lowering the ambition, it’s about making the rules work in a better and smarter way because effective implementation matters.
Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy
Commission proposes measures to support generational renewal in agriculture to secure Europe's food, farming and rural future
The European Commission has presented today a ‘Strategy for Generational Renewal in Agriculture', setting out a clear roadmap to support young farmers and attract more people to farming. The strategy aims to double the share of young farmers in the EU by 2040, with a goal of young and new farmers constituting about 24% of European farmers.
To this end, the Commission will recommend that Member States, especially those lagging behind, invest at least 6% of their agricultural spending to measures promoting generational renewal, with the option to mobilise additional resources. The strategy also includes developing national strategies for generational renewal in agriculture by 2028 in which they will address existing hurdles and define targeted support measures, based on the Commission's recommendations. Member States will be expected to report regularly on their progress. Together, these efforts will ensure a sustainable, resilient and attractive agricultural sector for the future.
Young farmers are key to the EU's food security and lively rural areas. To keep farming resilient and attractive, young people must have the right conditions to build their lives and careers in rural areas — ensuring not only the right to stay but also the wish to stay. Yet the sector faces serious pressures: an ageing workforce, declining rural populations, and economic and environmental challenges. Limited access to land, affordable credit, lower incomes and lack of relevant skills discourages new entrants, while succession remains difficult due to administrative and financial barriers. Tackling these issues is both a strategic necessity and a shared social responsibility for the EU.
Delivering the strategy: next steps for generational renewal
The strategy aims to support and prepare the next generation of EU farmers. It acknowledges that young farmers face specific challenges that need to be addressed with specific actions, at all levels of governance - EU, national and regional- and across policies.
To achieve this, the strategy identifies five key levers for action: — access to land, finance, skills, fair living standards in rural areas, and support for succession. Each lever is addressed through targeted flagship initiatives, among others:
Proposing a mandatory ‘Starter Pack' to young farmers in the next CAP to facilitate their entry and establishment in the sector through a comprehensive package of interventions, including a lump sum of up to €300 000 to set up;
Better targeting of funds in favour of young farmers;
Working with EIB to develop guarantee schemes and/or interest rate subsidies to facilitate access to finance;
Developing a European Land Observatory to improve land transparency. This will help farmers access available land, support farm succession, inform policy, and prevent land speculation, making it easier for new entrants to start farming;
Integrating into the European Semester relevant aspects on generational renewal on succession, embedding pension, retirement, and farm transfer reforms into national policy frameworks to facilitate timely succession, and land mobility;
Inviting young farmers to participle in Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs so they can learn good farming practices abroad or diversify their revenue by learning from other sectors;
Promoting good living conditions in rural areas while supporting local development and youth and women's involvement;
Co-funding Farm Relief Services that replace farmers during illness, holidays, or caregiving, to improve their work-life balance.
The strategy is designed to be implemented at multiple interconnected levels: through the current and future CAP, complementary EU policies, EU country-led actions in areas such as land access, taxation, education, and pensions, and initiatives by stakeholders. Overcoming these barriers requires strong national and regional engagement to ensure an effective impact.
Agriculture in Europe is ageing faster than other sectors. Currently, the average age of a farmer in the EU is 57 years-old, and only 12% of them are below 40 years-old, thus falling in the category of young farmers. This imbalance poses risks to long-term food security, the EU's strategic autonomy in food production, and the sustainability of Europe's farming landscapes.
The pool of rural youth is also shrinking. Between 2013 and 2019, the number of young people aged 15–24 living in rural areas in the EU-28 fell from 3.6 million to 1.9 million, while those aged 25–29 declined from 6.9 million to 5.9 million.
While many older farmers own their land, younger generations are often confined to tenancy, operating around 15 million hectares as tenants compared with 10 million as owners. Access to land, affordable credit, and essential skills remain major barriers for young farmers. In 2022, young farmers in the EU-27 faced a financing gap of €14.1 billion, equivalent to 22% of the sector's total shortfall.
Communication
Questions and answers
Staff working document
Webpage on AGRI portal
CAP Network study on the best practices in Member States
Analytical brief presenting the ‘picture of a young farmer in the EU today'
Supporting young farmers means shaping the agriculture of the future through sustainability, innovation, digitalisation, precision farming, and international openness. With this strategy, we strengthen support for young and new farmers and uphold their right to remain in the places they call home. A strong and vibrant community of young farmers keeps rural regions alive. Without them, many areas risk becoming empty and abandoned. Our goal is to reverse this trend — to make rural areas places of opportunity and growth once again.
Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms
Our food security and the future of our rural communities depend on the next generation. Today, we are making support for young and new farmers a political priority. We want every young person who dreams of farming to see a real path forward, with fewer obstacles and stronger support. This is why we are, amongst others, asking every Member State to act with concrete national strategies and real investment. This is about breaking down barriers and creating opportunities to ensure farming remains a viable and attractive career choice.
Christophe Hansen, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food
Commission unveils 2026 work programme
The European Commission has today unveiled its 2026 work programme, which outlines a series of actions to help build a more sovereign and independent Europe. The work programme, entitled 'Europe's independence moment', addresses current and future challenges arising from threats to our security and democracy, to conflicts and geopolitical tensions, to risks to our economy and industry, and accelerating climate change. It builds on the commitments set out in the Political Guidelines and mission letters sent by President von der Leyen to the College of EU Commissioners and the ideas set out in the 2025 State of the Union address.
The work programme doubles down on the current core priorities of the Commission by aiming to strengthen competitiveness, lead in clean and digital innovation, strengthen our unique social model and ensure collective security.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: "The 2026 work programme marks another significant step towards a stronger, more sovereign Europe. We will continue working closely with the European Parliament and the Council to deliver on Europe's priorities, to boost competitiveness, harness the power of our Single Market, simplify our rules and address the affordability crisis. Together, we will protect our citizens and uphold our values."
Simplification and implementation as a focus
In 2026, the Commission will continue to cut red tape for people, business and administrations. The first overview report on simplification, implementation and enforcement, also adopted today, highlights the progress achieved so far – such as the six omnibus packages and other simplification proposals aiming to bring over €8.6 billion in annual cost savings for business and citizens.
Many of next year's initiatives will also focus on making EU laws simpler and reducing costs. Several simplification proposals are foreseen across key sectors – including automotive, environment, taxation, food and feed safety, medical devices and simplifying energy product legislation. At the same time, implementation dialogues and reality checks will continue to help the Commission identify further simplification opportunities, including to reduce burdens for citizens.
The overview report presents Commission measures to support Member States when implementing EU policies, as well as key enforcement statistic and actions. The Commission is actively pursuing over 1,500 ongoing infringement cases to achieve the full implementation of EU rules, and therefore their benefits for people and businesses.
A more sovereign and independent Europe: key deliverables of 2026 work programme
Sustainable prosperity and competitiveness: The Commission will pursue its work to strengthen Europe's industrial base and support Europe's strategic industrial sectors and jobs through a new Industrial Accelerator Act. It will increase Europe's resilience in critical raw materials supply through the creation of a Critical Raw Materials Centre, as well as the Circular Economy Act. And it will aim to substantially unlock the potential of the Single Market by 2028 by removing barriers, establishing a European Innovation Act, setting up a 28th regime for innovative companies and promoting a “fifth freedom” for knowledge and innovation.
Defence and security: We will build on Readiness 2030 framework strengthening the EU's defence capabilities and enhancing cooperation with strategic partners are key priorities. We will work on flagships as European Drone Defence Initiative, which is essential for the Eastern Flank Watch. The Commission will also reinforce the protection of the Union's borders, fighting organised crime and enhancing cross-border critical communication systems. We will focus on putting the Pact on Migration and Asylum into practice.
Social model and innovation: To address issues that European families face every day we will put forward a series of measures to address affordability and costs of living crisis facing Europeans. We will propose a Quality Jobs Act. The Fair and labour mobility package, including the skills mobility initiative will make the qualifications more portable. Root causes of poverty and the housing crisis will be addressed.
Quality of life - food, water, nature: The Commission will put forward the livestock strategy and review rules on unfair trading practices in the food chain to support European farmers. It will ensure climate resilience through the European climate adaptation plan. The Ocean Act will guide European ocean governance.
Democracy and Rule of Law: The Commission will help to shield democratic institutions against extremism and disinformation, enhance consumer protection and review anti-fraud measures. We will look closely at issues around young people, particularly children and social media building on recommendations of the Panel of experts. The Commission will continue building on the Equality Union through new strategies on gender equality and disability rights.
Global engagement: Global partnerships will be reinforced, and EU will continue to stand firmly with Ukraine, providing steadfast support for its urgent financial and military needs and reconstruction efforts. And its EU integration efforts will continue to be supported, alongside Moldova. Humanitarian aid will also be reformed for faster, more effective crisis responses. We will roll out our Pact for Mediterranean. We will put forward a Middle East strategy, including supporting the transition in Syria and Lebanon.
Preparation for the Union of tomorrow
Ambitious policies need to be underpinned by ambitious resources, as outlined in the recent proposal for a Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), amounting to almost €2 trillion. Therefore, the Commission in parallel calls on the European Parliament and the Council to swiftly agree on this framework and to advance the key legislative priorities.
Every year, the Commission adopts a work programme setting out the list of actions it will take in the following year. The work programme informs the public and co-legislators of political commitments to present new initiatives, including simplification proposals, withdraw pending proposals and review existing EU legislation. The work programme is the result of close cooperation with the European Parliament, Member States and the EU consultative bodies.
2026 Commission work programme
2025 Overview Report on simplification
Questions and answers on the 2026 Commission work programme
Questions and answers on the 2025 Overview Report
Factsheet on the 2026 Commission work programme
Factsheet on the 2025 Overview Report
The 2026 work programme marks another significant step towards a stronger, more sovereign Europe. We will continue working closely with the European Parliament and the Council to deliver on Europe’s priorities, to boost competitiveness, harness the power of our Single Market, simplify our rules and address the affordability crisis. Together, we will protect our citizens and uphold our values.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
This work programme is designed to strengthen EU competitiveness, security and democracy – in line with the expectations of our citizens. We are putting a clear and ambitious plan on the table to address the many challenges we face, and we will work hard with the co-legislators to turn its promise into reality.
Maroš Šefčovič, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security; Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency
A competitive Europe needs rules that work — rules that are simple, smart, and swiftly implemented, empowering people and businesses rather than burdening them. In just six months, we have turned ambition into action: six Omnibus packages, €8.6 billion in annual savings, and a renewed focus on implementation and enforcement. And this is only the beginning. With the 2026 Commission work programme adopted today, we are launching the next wave of simplification — building a culture that values results over bureaucracy, and efficiency over complexity.
Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner for Economy and Productivity; Implementation and Simplification
EU strengthens cross-regional cooperation with Black Sea countries, the South Caucasus and Central Asia
On 20 October, the EU brought together foreign ministers and representatives from EU Member States, Armenia, Azerbaijan, the Republic of Moldova, Türkiye, Ukraine, and Central Asian partners (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) to discuss the Cross-Regional Connectivity Agenda – whose aim is to link the EU with Central Asia via Türkiye and the South Caucasus. This initiative will coordinate strategic investments to boost trade, and socio-economic development through resilient and efficient transport, energy and digital connections– with sustainability and the green transition at its core.
This meeting follows the EU's strategic approach to the Black Sea region and the EU-Central Asia Summit.
From the EU side, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas, Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, and Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela took part in the discussions.
In the meetings, participants affirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in areas of common interest, enhancing mutual resilience and promoting more connected, secure and prosperous regions. Participants also discussed ways to enhance cooperation on shared security interests.
Enhancing security, stability, and resilience in the Black Sea region
The Black Sea region, a key bridge between Europe and Asia, plays a vital role in international trade and the transit of grains, energy and critical raw materials – making it central to regional and global security.
In a first ministerial session, EU Member States and Black Sea countries confirmed the essential importance of cross-regional security, including maritime security. The EU expressed its readiness to step up the support for Member States and partners building up maritime capacities, including monitoring, protecting critical infrastructure and countering hybrid threats.
Initiatives for broadening coast-guard cooperation in the region, supporting demining initiatives and addressing risks related to shadow fleet were also discussed, building on lessons learned in the Mediterranean and the Baltic Seas. These efforts are part of EU contributions to the security of Ukraine and ensuring resilience in the Black Sea region.
Launching the Cross-Regional Connectivity Agenda
In a second ministerial session, EU representatives, along with ministers from EU Member States, Black Sea and South Caucasus countries and Central Asia countries discussed an ambitious Cross-Regional Connectivity Agenda, which aims to explore economic opportunities and foster long-term shared prosperity, cooperation and peace.
The focus is on sustainable and resilient connections, in four priority areas:
Transport: strengthening the cross-regional Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor (TCTC) and the extension of our transport connections.
Digital: developing high-speed internet access to drive innovation, digital trade, and secure critical infrastructure.
Energy: improving energy links and accelerating renewable energy deployment to enhance energy security and diversification.
Trade: harmonising and digitalising customs procedures to simplify cross-border trade and deepen market integration.
Building on existing initiatives, the Connectivity Agenda will be central to resilience and future economic growth across the wider region.
The discussions underscored the importance of coordination among the different participants. The Commission will work towards a proposal for a coordination framework building on existing practices and bringing together participating countries, international financial institutions, private investors and interested third parties. The framework will be presented and further elaborated at the TCTC Investors and Connectivity Forum in Tashkent (Uzbekistan) on 27 November 2025. In parallel, a mapping of existing analyses and ongoing investments in the four priority areas will guide future discussions among stakeholders on priority investments and soft connectivity measures.
The Black Sea Region is of strategic importance to the EU. Russia’s war in Ukraine has dangerous spillover effects across the region. Moscow's military build-up, its shadow fleet, drifting mines, and the jamming of ships’ data systems, are collective security challenges that require a collective response. Beyond the Black Sea, the war has impacted overland trade between Asia and the EU. Together with our Central Asian partners, we will diversify connectivity between our regions and give ourselves more trade, energy and digital opportunities.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission
Before Russia's war of aggression, most overland trade between Asia and EU moved though Russia. Today, that route is closed. We need alternatives. That is why all those countries stretching from Europe to the borders of China have come to Luxembourg. It is the first time this is happening. We all know that relying on a single supplier for energy or critical goods makes us vulnerable. By building new infrastructure together, we can give ourselves more freedom to act and more options for trade, for where we buy energy, and for how we transfer digital data. More options mean more independence, for everyone.
Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement
Central Asia is a dynamic region with a young generation and strong potential to work with Europe under the Global Gateway. Together, we can turn this potential into real opportunities. Reliable connectivity - in transport, energy and digital networks - is the foundation for that. By strengthening these links between our regions, we can foster trade, create jobs, and build lasting prosperity on both sides.
Jozef Síkela, Commissioner for International Partnerships
Statement by President Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Starmer, Chancellor Merz, President Macron, Prime Minister Meloni, Prime Minister Tusk, President von der Leyen, President Costa, Prime Minister Støre, President Stubb and Prime Minister Frederiksen on Peace for Ukraine
We are all united in our desire for a just and lasting peace, deserved by the people of Ukraine.
We strongly support President Trump's position that the fighting should stop immediately, and that the current line of contact should be the starting point of negotiations. We remain committed to the principle that international borders must not be changed by force.
Russia's stalling tactics have shown time and time again that Ukraine is the only party serious about peace. We can all see that Putin continues to choose violence and destruction.
Therefore we are clear that Ukraine must be in the strongest possible position - before, during, and after any ceasefire. We must ramp up the pressure on Russia's economy and its defence industry, until Putin is ready to make peace. We are developing measures to use the full value of Russia's immobilised sovereign assets so that Ukraine has the resources it needs.
Leaders will meet later this week in the European Council and in the Coalition of the Willing format to discuss how to take this work forward and to further support Ukraine.