The work programme for 2025 includes 51 initiatives, both proposals for directives/regulations and announcements where no binding act is envisaged. In addition, 37 existing initiatives will be evaluated and 37 will be withdrawn. Eleven initiatives aim to reduce bureaucracy. The Commission also emphasises the focus on cutting red tape and simplification in the communication "A simpler and faster Europe", which was presented together with the 2025 work programme.

The initiatives included in the work programme are based on seven policy priorities: sustainable prosperity and competitiveness, defence and security, social affairs, quality of life, protection of democracy, a global Europe and the future of the EU. Most measures fall under the priority “sustainable prosperity and competitiveness”. With regard to social affairs, it is striking that not a single legislative initiative is announced. In this way, the EU Commission clearly shows where its priorities lie in 2025.

The mantra of competitiveness
On 29 January 2025, the EU Commission presented the so-called Compass for Competitiveness, which contains proposals to promote innovation, decarbonisation and security of supply. In the work programme for 2025, some of the measures are now listed again, including the measures to reduce bureaucracy. These include, in particular, three so-called omnibus packages. These packages are designed to simplify reporting requirements and reduce administrative burdens for companies by at least 25 percent, and for small and medium-sized enterprises by as much as 35 percent. From AK's point of view, there is a risk that important regulations for employees and consumers will be watered down.

In order to close the innovation gap, more investment is to be made in the development of new technologies and start-ups are to be supported, not least in the digital sector. The directive on AI liability, which is currently being negotiated, will be withdrawn by the Commission, which is being criticised by consumer associations.

Green transition in line with competitiveness is the motto of the new European industrial policy to be launched with the Clean Industrial Deal. It is expected to be presented on 26 February 2025 together with the Action Plan on Affordable Energy. In both cases, it is eagerly awaited which measures are specifically concealed behind it. The Sustainable Transport Investment Plan and the Bioeconomy Strategy will be published in the second half of the year.

Where are the workers?
The EU Commission announces a new Action Plan for the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights and a Roadmap for quality jobs for the fourth quarter of 2025. The proposal for a "Union of Skills" is expected as early as the beginning of March, with the aim of better promoting training and skills. However, none of these initiatives is a binding legal act. Contrary to the announcement that a Plan for affordable housing will be presented in the first 100 days, such a plan is currently not included. However, when the work programme was presented, it was stated that not all planned initiatives were included.

Under the heading “Protecting our democracy, upholding our values”, non-legislative measures are announced to promote democracy, strengthen women’s rights, combat discrimination and LGBTIQ rights. At the same time, the Commission announces that it will withdraw its proposal for a horizontal anti-discrimination directive. Under the heading “Sustaining our quality of life”, the Vision for Agriculture and Food, already expected on 19 February 2025, the European Water Resilience Strategy and the revision of the European Climate Law are mentioned.

ETUC Secretary General Esther Lynch summarises the weaknesses of the programme as follows: “At a time when 100.000 job losses have been announced in our industries and people are still struggling with the cost of living, working people simply won’t understand why this plan that does not include any legislation to protect their jobs, improve their working conditions or raise their pay.”

The second major theme of the work programme: Security and defence
Referring to geopolitical tensions, the EU Commission stresses the importance of investing in the defence industry.  To this end, there will be a broad consultation on the establishment of a relevant Union framework, and close cooperation with NATO. The EU Commission wants to better prepare for crises in the future and develop preventive crisis preparedness strategies. An internal security strategy will be complemented by a comprehensive Action Plan to strengthen threat response and response capabilities. At the same time, the EU Commission wants to strengthen Europe's take on foreign policy and geopolitical partnerships. Support for Ukraine is at the top of the agenda, but also cooperation with the Middle East and North Africa as well as deepening EU-India relations. The migration and asylum strategy announced for the fourth quarter focuses on strengthening EU borders and accelerating deportations.

Many unanswered questions about funding
How all these plans are to be financed is the big question here. After Draghi identified an investment gap in the EU of 700 to 800 billion euros per year in his report, the EU Commission now wants to close it through a European Capital Markets Union (CMU). However, Draghi has pointed out that there must also be urgently needed public financing models and that such sums cannot be covered by private investment alone. The EU's Multiannual Financial Framework from 2028 will be aligned with the new EU priorities.

Further information
EU Commission: Commission Work Programme 2025
AK EUROPA: The Budapest Declaration. Competitiveness remains the focus
AK EUROPA: Political guidelines for the next European Commission 2024-2029. The right answers to current challenges?
AK EUROPA: Strategic Agenda 2024-2029. Unbalanced priorities