POLITICO: Brussels to prioritise competitiveness and cutting red tape in 2027

The European Commission is scaling back its legislative ambitions for 2027, prioritizing competitiveness, deregulation and economic security as the clock starts to run down on Ursula von der Leyen’s second term.

According to a copy of its annual Work Programme and related annexes obtained by POLITICO, the EU wants to strengthen the single market, cut red tape, modernize industry and bolster its defense capabilities at a time of mounting geopolitical risks and economic uncertainty.

“The EU must retain the ability to forge its own path,” the document reads, adding that “independence is our priority for Europe’s economy.”

But with existing initiatives — such as the Industrial Accelerator Act — facing delays, Brussels is focusing on getting legislation that is already in preparation across the finish line.

It’s also killing off proposals that have no chance of passing, along with a crop of outdated regulations.