Every year, the Commission adopts its annual work programme setting out the list of the most important actions it will take in the year ahead. The work programme informs the public and the other institutions of our political commitments to present new initiatives, withdraw pending proposals and review existing EU legislation. The work programme contains new policy and legislative initiatives across all six headline ambitions of President von der Leyen's political guidelines and sets out in more detail in what way the initiatives outlined in her annual State of the European Union address will be delivered.
The work programme does not cover the ongoing work of the Commission to implement its role as guardian of the Treaties enforcing existing legislation or the regular initiatives that the Commission adopts every year.
The political strategy of this Commission is to set Europe on a path to successfully achieving climate neutrality by 2050, shaping our digital future, strengthening our unique social market economy, building a Union of prosperity, and making Europe stronger in the world. This Commission is taking action to address the challenges ahead and put the necessary building blocks in place for a better future for all Europeans.
The Commission work programme for 2023 sets out a bold and transformative agenda in the face of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, rising energy prices and the knock-on effects on the economy. It does so while defending Europe’s democratic values and pursuing our long-term goals and interests. The work programme also sets out targeted action to complete delivery on the ambitions the Commission set at the start of the mandate and further steer the Union towards a sustainable recovery. It also lists the key legislative proposals that should get priority in the legislative process to ensure swift implementation on the ground across all six of the Commission’s headline ambitions.
Timeline
Commission work programme
- Mid-September
The President of the European Commission delivers her State of the Union address before the European Parliament, setting out her political priorities for the year ahead. The President and the Vice-President for Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight send a Letter of Intent to the President of the European Parliament and the Council of the EU Presidency, outlining the specific measures the Commission intends to take following the President’s speech. The letter kick-starts a dialogue with the Parliament and Council.
- September/October
The (Executive) Vice-Presidents meet with the Parliament’s Conference of Committee Chairs for a formal preparatory discussion on the work programme. In Council, the Commission participates in the exchange of views on the Letter of Intent that takes place in the General Affairs Council, providing input to the work programme. The Commission hears the views of the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.
- October
The Commission adopts its annual work programme, and presents it in the European Parliament and to the other institutional partners
On the basis of the Commission Work Programme, the Commission, the European Parliament and the Council establish a Joint Declaration on the EU’s legislative priorities, to take swift action.
EU Have Your Say
You can share your views and ideas on Commission initiatives across all policy areas on the EU Have Your Say portal. It is possible to sign up for notifications regarding new developments as initiatives take shape, including after the adoption of legislation.
The Commission has been seeking evidence and feedback from citizens, businesses, and stakeholders at all stages of the legislative and policymaking process since 2015. Additionally, the Fit for Future Platform high-level expert group helps the Commission in its efforts to simplify EU laws and to reduce related unnecessary costs. The expert group examines whether existing laws achieve their objectives efficiently as we tackle new challenges such as digitalisation.