European Commission outlines its 2025 agenda with focus on competitiveness and defence

The European Commission adopted its work programme for 2025 on Wednesday, outlining a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening competitiveness, improving security, and enhancing economic resilience within the European Union. This plan – the result of close cooperation with the European Parliament, member states, and EU advisory bodies – builds upon the commitments previously established in the political guidelines and mandate letters issued by President Ursula von der Leyen.

One of the highlighted priorities is the revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028-2034, aiming to provide greater flexibility to address emerging challenges in areas such as competitiveness and defence, as well as to manage debt arising from the Recovery Fund. Brussels also proposes a 25% reduction in administrative burdens for businesses, with the aim of enhancing their competitiveness.

In the climate domain, a new target has been set for 2040, aiming for a 90% reduction in net emissions compared to 1990 levels, with the ultimate goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. The programme also stresses the need to simplify EU regulations, with the implementation of simplification packages in areas such as sustainability, investment, and SMEs.

European defence and resilience

In the defence and security sector, the European Commission plans to intensify efforts to ensure peace, with plans to build a robust future for European defence. This includes collective and strategic investments in cooperation with NATO, aimed at strengthening the defence industry and reducing dependencies. The EU’s Preparedness Strategy seeks to enhance crisis anticipation and resilience, complemented by initiatives such as the storage strategy and the Essential Medicines Act to ensure the supply of key resources.

The programme also addresses support for individuals and the reinforcement of the European social model. Brussels will lead efforts to modernise social policies through a new action plan on the European Pillar of Social Rights. To adapt to technological, demographic, and sectoral transformations, the Union of Capacities will be introduced to ensure all workers receive the necessary education and training.

Regarding quality of life, the European Commission will present a vision on agriculture and food to ensure a stable framework for farmers, along with a roadmap that will include key proposals. The Ocean Pact will establish a unified framework on related policies, aimed at preserving ocean health and stimulating the EU’s blue economy. Additionally, the European water resilience strategy will adopt a comprehensive approach to effectively manage water resources and tackle climate change effects, such as floods and droughts. A simplification package for the Common Agricultural Policy will address the causes of complexity and administrative burdens for farmers and national administrations.

European Commission Work Programme: social transformation

In the realm of democracy and values, initiatives such as the Democracy Shield will be implemented to address threats such as extremism and disinformation. The European Commission also plans to improve strategies for combating discrimination on the grounds of gender, disability, sexual orientation, or race, through a renewed strategy on LGBTIQ equality and a new strategy against racism.

On a global level, the EU remains committed to supporting Ukraine and seeks to ensure a just and lasting peace based on a two-state solution in the Middle East. A Mediterranean Pact and a strategy for the Black Sea will focus on regional cooperation, economic investment, and security, while a new EU-India strategic agenda will offer a comprehensive approach to define areas of shared strategic interest.

Finally, Brussels intends to present a new multiannual financial framework focused on simplifying access to EU funding and enhancing financial impact to support national, private, and institutional financing. Additionally, attention will be paid to policy reviews prior to enlargement, assessing the consequences and effects of enlargement across all EU policies.