The Commission’s 2017 Work Programme: Delivering a Europe that protects, empowers and defends

As we enter the New Year, the European Commission will devote all its efforts to implementing its 2017 Work Programme, which focuses squarely on delivery of the 10 priorities outlined in the Juncker Commission’s Political Guidelines in order to address the biggest challenges Europeans face today. Moreover, this year’s Work Programme proposes 21 key initiatives, as well as a further 18 REFIT proposals to improve the quality of existing EU legislation and ensure our rules are fit for purpose. To ensure a focus on delivery, the Commission Work Programme also identifies 34 priority pending proposals we have made in the past two years where swift adoption by the Parliament and Council can make a tangible impact on the ground. This is in line with the first ever Joint Declaration signed in December by the Presidents of the Parliament, Council and Commission committing to ensure swift legislative progress on priority initiatives in six specific areas and, where possible, delivery before the end of 2017.