On 21 October 2025, the European Commission (Commission) published a communication regarding its work programme for 2026.

The communication discusses the Commission’s main plans and priorities for 2026 and is accompanied by an Annex listing new initiatives and their expected timing, as well as initiatives the Commission intends to withdraw.

The communication emphasises that the Commission is continuing its work on a number of simplification initiatives and omnibus packages with the goal to cut administrative burdens by 25% and for small-medium enterprises by 35%. This includes the Commission presenting its first annual Overview Report on Simplification, Implementation and Enforcement to ensure European law delivers benefits equally across all Member States.

The Commission’s Savings and Investment (SIU) initiative, previously published on 19 March 2025 also remains a priority for the completion of its remaining proposals in order to create a more integrated EU capital market. Further initiatives include establishing a European Innovation Act to provide the Single Market with an economic eco-system for growth by 2028 and the establishment of the Cloud and AI Development Act and Quantum Act to strengthen the EU’s digital sovereignty.

As mentioned, the Annex to the work programme provides an overview of the concrete new initiatives the Commission intends to publish over 2026, and the existing legislative proposals it intends to withdraw. The following new initiatives are related to financial services:

  • Q1 2026
    • 28th Regime for Innovative Companies
    • European Innovation Act
    • Cloud and AI Development Act
  • Q2 2026
    • Quantum Act
  • Q3 2026
    • Single Market: Update of the new legislative framework of product rules; market surveillance and compliance of products and update of rules on standardisation.
    • Update of EU emissions trading system
    • Update of rules on shareholder rights
    • Update of the European venture capital funds Regulation
  • Q4 2026
    • Review of the anti-fraud architecture
    • Digital Fairness Act for consumer protection