The European executive presented on 11 February its 2025 work programme, which outlines its roadmap for delivering on political priorities through new initiatives, simplification measures, and stronger implementation of existing rules. While competitiveness and security are clearly at the top of the agenda, the programme also touches on climate action, digital transformation, and social fairness.
Alongside proposals to cut red tape by 25%, reinforce rule of law, and streamline EU regulation, the Commission has announced 51 new initiatives. A closer look at their distribution reveals where the political weight lies: 20 of these initiatives focus on competitiveness, and 11 of them are legislative (binding). Defence and security follow with 8 initiatives, 4 of which will lead to new binding acts. In contrast, only 4 initiatives address social issues, none of which are legislative. Food security, environmental protection, democracy, and Europe’s global role receive modest attention in both quantity and scope.
These figures reflect a Commission that is prioritising economic and industrial resilience, supported by strategic proposals like the Competitiveness Compass, the Clean Industrial Deal, and the Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator. Security is approached broadly—covering everything from external defence and internal security to migration management and cybersecurity. Meanwhile, the Work Programme continues to advance cross-cutting goals like digital infrastructure, green energy, and stakeholder engagement.
Still, some voices are asking whether the balance is right. The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) Workers' Group acknowledged the programme’s ambition but stressed the need for a stronger social pillar. In a recent LinkedIn post, the group pointed out that only very few initiatives in the programme address social issues—and none of them are legislative. They questioned where the social compass is to help lift 95 million Europeans out of poverty, tackle the job insecurity faced by many young people, and respond to rising housing costs. Their message is clear: European competitiveness must go hand in hand with decent jobs, fair wages, and affordable living.