18.02.2025
Financial Framework Guidelines (MFF)
The Commission published a work programme based on the political guidelines presented by President von der Leyen and mission letters to Commissioners. The work programme includes both the Commission's and Parliament's preparatory and decision-making processes on a scheduled basis. More information on this topic can be found here:
EU Weekly Letter: Commission work programme, future multiannual financial framework
When reporting the year 2025: the Work Programme the Commission outlined its plans to improve competitiveness, increase security and strengthen the resilience of the economy. Alongside the work programme, a plan for reducing administrative burdens and simplifying EU rules was published.
The Commission strongly underlines in its work programme for 2025: simplification and efficiency. This will be addressed, inter alia, by the first set of Omnibus packages aimed at improving the effectiveness and efficiency of EU legislation. The term means that a single setting can change multiple settings at the same time.
The work programme focuses on a number of important priorities, such as: improving competitiveness and securing sustainable economic prosperity;.
On defence and security policy, the Commission will strengthen the EU's defence capabilities and improve crisis management through joint investments and cooperation with NATO. At the same time, efforts are being made to increase the EU’s predictability and resilience through the Preparedness Union Strategy.
The work programme also includes preparation for future challenges, such as the review of the EU's enlargement policy.
Key initiatives in the Commission Work Programme 2025
- Sustainable prosperity and competitiveness: The recently announced Competitiveness Compass will guide actions to promote sustainable growth. At the heart of the Joint Plan for Low-Carbonisation and Competitiveness is the Clean Industrial Development Agenda, which will lay the groundwork for achieving the proposed 90% emission reduction target by 2040.
- Defence and security: The EU will invest in efforts to ensure security and peace, and will publish plans to build a stable future for European defence. This includes joint strategic investments and cooperation with NATO. In addition, the Preparedness Union Strategy will improve crisis anticipation and resilience. This will be supported, for example, by the EU stockpiling strategy and the Critical Medicines Act to secure key resources.
- Supporting people and strengthening our societies and social model: The Commission is working to modernise social policy through the new European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan and is presenting the implementation of the Skills Union.
- Safeguarding quality of life: The Commission intends to present a vision for agriculture and food. In addition, the European Water Resilience Strategy introduces the source-to-sea principle for the effective management of water resources and aims to mitigate the impacts of climate change, such as floods and droughts.
- Protecting democracy and upholding values: Initiatives such as the Democracy Shield address threats such as extremism and disinformation. The Commission will also improve its anti-discrimination strategies.
- Global Europe: Influence and partnerships: Working for Ukraine’s freedom remains a priority, but the EU is also committed to a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East based on the two-state model. The Pact for the Mediterranean and the Black Sea Strategy will put emphasis on regional cooperation, economic investment and security, and the new EU-India Strategic Agenda will identify areas of shared strategic interest.
- Delivering results together and preparing for the future: The Commission will present a new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) focusing on simplifying access to EU funding. Pre-enlargement policy reviews can provide a more accurate assessment of the consequences and impact of enlargement on all EU policies.
