Every year, the European Commission adopts a plan of action for the next twelve months, to explain how the political priorities will become concrete actions. On 27th October, the European Commission presented its Work Programme for 2016, which is structured around the ten priorities set out by President Juncker at the start of its mandate. This Work Programme is focused on 23 key initiatives across 10 political priorities, 20 intended withdrawals or modifications of pending proposals and 40 REFIT actions to review the quality of existing EU legislation.

In very many areas, a common approach at European level is needed to achieve the ambitious policy goals - a high level of environmental protection, high social and employment standards, energy security, a thriving economy that benefits all, and a migratory policy that reflects common values of the European Union.

Among the others, the new initiatives presented by the Commission in its Work Programme are:

- Initiatives on better Migration Management and proposals on Border Management: the approach to migration management is based on the principles of solidarity and responsibility.

- Implementation of the Digital Single Market, Follow-up to the Single Market Strategy, a Space Strategy for Europe and a European Defence Action Plan.

- a Circular Economy, next steps for a Sustainable European Future and Legislation to implement the Energy Union: the aim is to address economic and environmental concerns by maximizing efficiency in the use of resources,   covering   the   whole   value   chain   (including   sustainable   consumption,   production,   waste management) and through innovation, thereby enabling the development of new markets and business models. The package will consist of a broad action plan, including actions on monitoring effective progress, and a waste proposal with long -term targets.

- a New Skill Agenda for Europe, a new Start for Working Parents, and a pillar of Social Rights as part of a deepening of Economic and Monetary Union.

- a Corporate Tax package and an Action Plan on VAT.

Other key initiatives for 2016 will implement the European Security Agenda, follow up on the Trade and Investment Strategy and the five Presidents’ report on Deepening Economic and Monetary Union, and provide the Commission’s contribution to the Global Strategy on Foreign and Security Policy. The Commission will also present the mid- term review of the Multi-Annual Financial Framework and a strategy to better focus the budget on results.

This Work Programme continues to reflect the Commission's willingness to be big on big things, small on small and to focus on priorities and results.

For more information, see the web page.