Ursula von der Leyen unveils 2026 EU Commission Work Programme — “Europe’s Independence Moment”
#UrsulaVonDerLeyen #eu #newsupdate
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has unveiled the Commission Work Programme for 2026 in a landmark speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, framing the year ahead as “Europe’s Independence Moment.” Her address called for a stronger, more autonomous Europe capable of defending its values, economy, and security in an increasingly unstable world.
Von der Leyen opened by invoking Simone Veil’s historic words on European independence, warning that “the world of today is unforgiving” and that Europe “must be the master of its own destiny.” She outlined a programme driven by three core priorities: competitiveness and jobs, economic and technological sovereignty, and democratic resilience.
On economic independence, she announced a drive to complete the EU Single Market by 2028, streamline regulation through new “simplification omnibus” packages, and implement an expanded version of the Draghi competitiveness report, dubbed “Draghi Plus.” Von der Leyen warned that the AI and clean technology races were reshaping global markets, saying Europe must “control the sensitive technologies and energy sources that will power our economies.”
The 2026 agenda will feature new initiatives on AI, cloud services, quantum technologies, batteries, and advanced materials, combined with “Made in Europe” rules for public procurement and new lead markets for clean innovation. She stressed that “competition is welcome — but it must be fair,” referencing recent EU steel safeguard measures.
Affordability is another central theme: the Commission plans initiatives on affordable energy, housing, small electric cars, and a new Quality Jobs Act with a Skills and Fair Labour Mobility Package. Farmers and fishers will also benefit from measures ensuring fair pay above production costs.
On security and foreign policy, Von der Leyen said Europe “must fight for its place in the world,” pledging continued support for Ukraine and a “Defence Roadmap 2030” to strengthen collective readiness and procurement within Europe. “For decades, we’ve talked about building a Europe of defence — now it’s time to make it happen,” she declared.
She linked Europe’s independence to migration control, insisting that the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum be fully implemented, with stricter enforcement of returns and sanctions against smugglers. “Legal migration is welcome — illegal migration is not,” she stated firmly.
The speech also addressed climate resilience, water preservation, wildfire protection, and new action to protect children from harmful effects of social media, calling for a digital minimum age and warning that “parents raise children, not algorithms.”
Finally, Von der Leyen reaffirmed her commitment to European values, democratic integrity, and the rule of law. She urged unity across political lines, concluding: “Europe’s independence moment is the moment to come together — to act for Europe. Long live Europe.”
The 2026 programme, anchored in competitiveness, sustainability, and security, positions the EU to assert strategic autonomy amid global power shifts — from war and climate change to technological disruption.
00:00 — Europe’s Independence Moment (stakes, global context)
02:12 — Work Programme 2026: Competitiveness & Single Market (Draghi Plus)
04:29 — Strategic Autonomy: Supply Chains, Circularity & Critical Tech
06:37 — Affordability & Fairness: Energy, Housing, Small EVs, Quality Jobs
08:18 — Security, Democracy & Values: Defence Roadmap, Migration, Climate, Kids’ Safety, Unity
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