On Wednesday (12 February), the European Commission unveiled its long-awaited 2025 Work Programme, setting its political and legislative priorities for the year ahead. The programme places simplification at its core, aiming to make EU rules more effective, reduce bureaucracy, and boost competitiveness—key in a context of economic, industrial, and geopolitical challenges.
The 2025 Work Programme follows an implementation and simplification agenda, which aims to reduce administrative burdens -including the different Omnibus packages. It places a strong focus on industrial decarbonisation and simplifying regulations for SMEs. Further measures will streamline the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and simplify the EU defence policy.
At its core, the programme prioritises sustainable prosperity with the Competitiveness Compass and Clean Industrial Deal, while reinforcing European defence through strategic investments and NATO partnerships. Social policies will be modernised under the New Action Plan on the European Pillar of Social Rights, ensuring fair opportunities for all. Meanwhile, environmental sustainability takes centre stage with initiatives like the Ocean Pact and European Water Resilience Strategy, tackling pressing climate challenges.
Moreover, the EU will reinforce democratic protections with the Democracy Shield and anti-discrimination measures while maintaining global leadership through strategic partnerships and a focus on Ukraine. Additionally, a revised Multiannual Financial Framework -the EU budget- will ensure effective funding access and pre-enlargement policy reviews will prepare for future EU expansion.
Nonetheless, the debate in the Strasbourg hemicycle showed that not everyone was convinced. MEPs across the political spectrum expressed concerns and frustrations, particularly about President von der Leyen’s absence, arguing that she should personally defend the Commission’s vision. The political groups reacted in different ways:
- The S&D Group warned against backtracking on social progress, emphasizing the need for a strong “Social Compass” to tackle youth unemployment, poverty, and the housing crisis.
- The EPP called for a “Man on the Moon” moment for EU competitiveness, urging the Commission to go further on cutting red tape and sending a strong signal to businesses and investors.
- The Greens/EFA stressed that simplification must not come at the cost of climate and social progress, supporting decarbonisation efforts but rejecting simplistic solutions that could reverse Green Deal achievements.
- Renew Europe welcomed the focus on competitiveness and reform, emphasizing that simplification must not reduce ambition, while also stressing the need for urgent action in this decisive year and holding the Commission accountable to its commitments.
- Across party lines, many MEPs criticized the Commission’s handling of the process, questioning why the programme was not sent directly to MEPs and why von der Leyen did not attend the debate.
With an increasingly complex economic landscape and tense geopolitical environment, this programme is set to shape EU policy at a critical moment -one of great internal change in economy, industry, and policy, as well as geopolitical turmoil and tense international relations. The EU must navigate this precarious situation with skill and balance.
For a full timeline of the proposals and a sector-by-sector breakdown of the key initiatives, visit our LinkedIn post on the 2025 Work Programme.
