European Commission publishes updated Work Programme

29 May 2020 10:30 AM

The European Commission has adopted an updated Work Programme, to reflect a re-prioritisation of files in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

While the big news this week was all related to the new EU budget proposal and the recovery instrument, it’s worth noting that the Commission also published an updated Work Programme.

Due to the global pandemic, the Commission has re-assessed the priorities for this year and adjusted the timelines for the various files.  

It’s important to note that both digitisation and sustainability remain top priorities for the EU as it looks towards the recovery phase of this crisis.

On the European Green Deal, several initiatives have been slightly delayed. The European Climate Pact is now expected towards the end of the year. All the initiatives that were originally planned ahead of COP26 in Glasgow have also been postponed to next year. A legislative proposal to empower consumers for the green transition has been postponed to mid-next year. The 8th Environmental Action Programme will be published at the end of 2020. The initiatives on sustainable and smart mobility all remain on track for the fourth quarter of this year.

On the “Europe fit for the digital age” chunk of files, the Digital Education Action Plan has been postponed to Q3 2020, and the Follow-up to the White Paper on Artificial Intelligence to Q1 2021. The Digital Services Act remains on schedule for Q4 of this year, despite the delays in opening the consultation. The Review of the NIS Directive also remains as scheduled for later on this year. The Common Charger initiative and the Review of the Roaming Regulation have both been postponed to early next year.

Should members have any questions about the upcoming files on the EU agenda, please reach out to Sabina Ciofu.