The European Commission has presented its 2026 work programme, titled "Europe’s independence moment", which outlines a series of actions to help build a more sovereign and independent Europe.  It focuses on six main areas: promoting sustainable prosperity and competitiveness, strengthening defence and security, advancing Europe’s social model and innovation, improving quality of life through better food, water and nature protection, safeguarding democracy and the rule of law, and deepening global engagement.

A central objective of the programme is to reinforce Europe’s industrial strength and innovative capacity. To achieve this, the Commission plans to introduce an Industrial Accelerator Act that will support strategic sectors and protect jobs. It also intends to establish a Critical Raw Materials Centre to ensure reliable access to essential resources, along with a Circular Economy Act to encourage more sustainable use of materials. Further reforms are designed to unlock the full potential of the Single Market by 2028, including through the European Innovation Act and measures that will help fast-growing companies scale more effectively.

Several legislative initiatives are planned throughout the year to support these goals (see also factsheet):

• Q1 2026: Electrification Plan (heating and cooling)
• Q1 2026: European Innovation Act
• Q2 2026: Public Procurement Act
• Q2 2026: Critical Raw Materials Centre
• Q3 2026: European Research Area Act
• Q3 2026: Circular Economy Act
• Q4 2026: Advanced Materials Act
• Q4 2026: Construction Services Act

More detailed information is available in the EC dedicated press release.