The European Commission’s 2025 Work Programme sets an ambitious vision for strengthening the EU’s economic resilience, simplifying regulations, and driving sustainable investment. At its core is the recognition that a well-functioning, future-proof transport system is essential for Europe’s competitiveness, industry, and environmental goals.

A key highlight is the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan, a strategic framework aimed at supporting the production and distribution of sustainable transport fuels. This initiative will facilitate the accelerated roll-out of recharging and refuelling infrastructure, ensuring seamless transport connectivity across borders and modes. In addition, the EU will pursue green trade and investment partnerships with third countries to enhance access to renewable and low-carbon transport fuels.

The Work Programme also reinforces the need for simplified regulations and streamlined investment procedures to remove structural barriers to growth. Measures such as the Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act will support energy-intensive industries in their green transition, while investment facilitation efforts will benefit transport infrastructure projects across Europe. By prioritising bold investments and regulatory efficiency, the Commission aims to drive a greener, more connected future for mobility.

“Citizens and businesses have called for a simpler EU that delivers prosperity. This work programme is our answer. We’ve heard you, we’re simplifying, and we will deliver. This roadmap charts our course to a more competitive, resilient, and growth-oriented Europe,” commented Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. 

2025 Commission work programme:

  • 51 New Policy Initiatives
  • 11 out of 18 Legislative initiatives are packages or initiatives with simplification objectives or significant simplification dimension
  • 37 Evaluations and Fitness Checks, kickstarting a process to stress-test the stock of EU legislation, to identify potential to simplify, to reduce costs
  • 37 Proposal for withdrawal
  • 4 Proposals to repeal
  • 23 Pending proposals

Background

Every year, the Commission adopts its annual work programme setting out the list of the most important new policy and legislative initiatives it will take in the year ahead. The work programme is a key vehicle to deliver on commitments outlined in the Political Guidelines and the mission letters set by President von der Leyen to each College Member.  Following its adoption, the work programme is presented to the European Parliament Plenary and subsequently to the General Affairs Council.

On the basis of the Commission work programme and priorities put forward by the other institutions, the Commission, the European Parliament and the Council establish a Joint Declaration on the EU’s legislative priorities for 2025 and Joint Conclusions on priorities for the term.

The work programme does not cover the ongoing work of the Commission as the guardian of the Treaties enforcing existing legislation, or routine initiatives that the Commission adopts every year.

Source: European Commission