06/02/2025
Yesterday, Euractiv unveiled the preliminary list of all the initiatives included in the European Commission’s 2025 work programme, which is due to be published next week.
This document, a preliminary annex to the work programme, details the new initiatives for this year, current proposals and planned repeals.
The final version is due to be adopted by the Commission before being presented to MEPs by President Ursula von der Leyen in Strasbourg next Tuesday.
The preliminary list of the initiatives included in the European Commission’s 2025 work programme is available here.
The European Commission’s 2025 Work Programme outlines the EU’s strategic initiatives and legislative priorities for the year, focusing on enhancing competitiveness, fostering innovation, and addressing pressing global challenges. Key areas of focus include:
1. Industrial Competitiveness and Innovation:
- Clean Industrial Deal: Set to be detailed in February, this initiative aims to simplify business regulations, expedite investments, and support the decarbonization of energy-intensive industries. Measures include fast-tracking permits for clean industrial projects, reducing energy costs, and streamlining sustainability reporting requirements.
- Support for Emerging Technologies: The programme emphasizes bolstering innovation through strategies to support start-ups, improve access to public research innovations, and establish AI “gigafactories.” Collaboration with the European Investment Bank is planned to scale up companies in AI and quantum computing.
2. Simplification and Regulatory Efficiency:
- Reducing Administrative Burdens: The Commission plans to implement a “simplification revolution” to cut administrative costs for businesses by at least 25%. This includes revising sustainability reporting requirements and other regulations to make compliance more straightforward.
3. Green Transition and Climate Goals:
- Commitment to Climate Neutrality: The EU reaffirms its dedication to achieving climate neutrality by 2050, with legally binding emission reduction targets. The programme includes initiatives to support industries in reducing emissions and transitioning to sustainable practices.
4. Digital Transformation:
- Advancing Digital Infrastructure: Plans are underway to enhance digital infrastructure, promote the adoption of AI, and support the digitalization of various sectors to boost productivity and innovation.
5. Defense and Security:
- European Defence Industrial Strategy: In response to evolving geopolitical challenges, the Commission proposes establishing a “European Defence Union,” creating a market for defense products, and initiating key defense projects to strengthen Europe’s defense capabilities.