Remarks by Commissioners Šefčovič and Dombrovskis on the 2027 Commission work programme and 2026 Overview Report on Simplification, Implementation and Enforcement

Commissioner Šefčovič:

Good afternoon everyone.

It is a pleasure to present to you the Commission work programme 2027, adopted by the College today alongside the Annual Overview Report on Simplification, Implementation and Enforcement, which Valdis will cover shortly.

This is a strategic, targeted, and streamlined work programme, doubling down on our political priorities and main work streams.

It shows the way forward for Europe to retain its ability to forge its own path, as we strive to become stronger and more independent.

The work programme reflects our core priorities as laid out in the Political Guidelines, and has shaped by our extensive outreach with stakeholders including the European Parliament and Member States.

As well as close coordination across the Commission and its services.

It has a clear focus on delivering on our ambitious policies, and implementing and enforcing what is already in place.

So that we translate our work into concrete results on the ground.

The key policy priorities for the next year are competitiveness and energy prices, responding to the demands of Europeans and European businesses.

In the annexes of the work programme, we present a targeted list of 23 new initiatives for next year, 10 of which have simplification as one of their key objectives.

As well as a list of pending priority proposals which are already on the table, to deliver on our commitments under the One Europe, One Market roadmap, with competitiveness and simplification at its heart.

We have an ambitious list proposing 19 files, including those where prospects for progress are limited, for withdrawal.

And 14 for repeal.

Of course, it is worth underlining that just because an initiative is not included in the work programme, does not mean that it cannot be put forward where necessary.

In conclusion, this work programme will help us deliver for Europe in 2027.

Whether it's ensuring Europe's sustainable prosperity and competitiveness.

Strengthening our social model.

Or our defence and security.

Sustaining our quality of life.

Promoting democracy and upholding our values.

Enhancing Europe's role on the global stage.

Or preparing for the EU for the future.

So in the Commission work programme 2027, I think we have a very precise compass for our work next year.

Thank you.

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Commissioner Dombrovskis:

Thank you. Good afternoon, everyone.

Today the Commission is presenting its Annual Overview Report on simplification, implementation and enforcement.

But our simplification agenda is more than figures in a report.

It is a story unfolding every day in the offices, factories and farms across Europe.

By the small business owner spending less time filling in forms, and more time focused on innovation and expansion.

The start-up that no longer needs a compliance department to bring its idea to market.

And the farmer who faces fewer inspections and can get on with the job of growing Europe's food.

Hours given back.

Money saved.

Confidence restored.

That is what simplification means for the people and businesses of Europe.

It is a story we are determined to keep writing, because there remains much work ahead of us.

With that in mind, let me turn now to the contents of our Report.

And to what it tells us about our progress on simplification, implementation and enforcement over the past year.

Firstly, on simplification.

The Commission has now proposed 12 Omnibus packages – including six over the period covered by the report – and several other simplification initiatives.

Their estimated annual savings exceed €22 billion, including €7.7 billion for our small and medium-sized enterprises.

This translates into almost 60% of the target reduction we set at the beginning of the mandate.

This is real progress.

Let me share with you some concrete examples:

• greater coherence in data protection, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence obligations;
• streamlined reporting requirements, with a particular focus on SMEs;
• smarter and faster environmental assessments to facilitate housing, industrial and other essential projects;
• and streamlining cross-border tax compliance procedures.

Several proposals have already entered into force. And their effects are beginning to materialise in the real economy.

Co-legislators have committed to making swift progress on all others, in line with the ‘One Europe, One Market' roadmap.

Here, I would like to stress – once again – that the success of our simplification agenda is a joint endeavour.

What emerges from the legislative process should be no less ambitious than what we have put forward.

And we must continue to deepen our simplification efforts, as outlined in this year's Commission work programme.

Our intensive engagement with stakeholders shows that there is strong support and momentum for simplification.

There is a window of opportunity.

Europe cannot afford to miss it.

Moving to implementation.

The report shows that the Commission has stepped up its efforts to support Member States in ensuring that EU laws and policies are implemented swiftly, effectively and consistently.

To provide some practical examples of this fresh emphasis in action:

• on competitiveness, we have focused on preventing and removing barriers that fragment the Single Market.
• on energy, we provided guidance and technical support to Member States in phasing out Russian energy imports.
• and on defence, we held 200 meetings to help Member States speed up their national plans under SAFE.

We have also begun work on a toolkit of best practices and practical guidance to help Member States avoid gold-plating.

The future Pact against gold-plating will be an opportunity for Member States to work with the Commission in identifying and removing barriers, while safeguarding rights and protections.

And finally, to enforcement.

The report shows how the Commission is enforcing EU law in a more cooperative, determined and transparent manner.

This is in line with April's Communication on a simpler, clearer and better enforced EU rulebook, where we committed to enforcing EU rules better and faster, across all policy areas.

The report highlights:

• the increased use of pre-infringement dialogues, with a 74% success rate;
• the launch of the highest number of infringement cases in the last 10 years (874), alongside 61 referrals to the Court;
• progress in securing compliance in long-standing cases;
• and the benefits of enforcing our single market rulebook.

So, overall our commitment is clear:

• simpler EU rules,
• greater support to implement them,
• and robust enforcement where they are not adhered to.

Looking ahead now, to the strong simplification dimension of the 2027 work programme, which Maroš has just presented.  

It builds on the Action Plan on Regulatory Deep Cleaning that we presented in April.

Because the Commission is determined to address outdated, overlapping and fragmented rules.

The simplification priorities for 2027 are banking, transport, digital markets, housing as well as accelerating permitting.

We will put forward ambitious proposals in each of these areas to deliver simpler and more coherent rules.

Because our goal is a Single Market that is more dynamic, more integrated, more resilient and better equipped to support economic growth and high-quality jobs.

Thank you.