As the European Commission prepares to publish its Work Programme for 2025 by mid-February, public affairs professionals and lobbyists in Brussels and all around the EU should be gearing up for what comes next. This annual document outlines the Commission’s legislative priorities and strategic initiatives, setting the agenda for the EU’s policy direction over the coming year.
For organisations seeking to influence policy, understanding the Work Programme is crucial. Whether your issue is included in the Programme or not, now is the time to act. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is the Commission Work Programme?
The Commission Work Programme (CWP) is an annual roadmap detailing legislative and non-legislative initiatives the European Commission intends to pursue. It identifies new proposals, planned evaluations of existing legislation, and regulatory simplifications under the ‘Better Regulation’ agenda.
The 2025 Programme will be particularly significant, as it will be shaped by the priorities of the new Commission following the 2024 European elections. Consequently, the Commission is expected to prioritise completing ongoing initiatives rather than introducing entirely new, long-term projects.
What to Do If Your Topic Is in the Work Programme
If your area of interest appears in the CWP, now is the time to double down on your advocacy efforts. Here’s what you should be doing:
- Engage Early: The legislative process is complex and involves multiple stages. The earlier you engage with policymakers, the more influence you can have on shaping proposals before they become set in stone.
- Monitor Developments: Keep track of upcoming consultations, impact assessments, and stakeholder engagement opportunities. The European Commission, Parliament, and Council all provide avenues for input.
- Build Coalitions: Forming alliances with industry peers, NGOs, or other stakeholders can strengthen your position and provide additional credibility to your arguments.
- Prepare Position Papers: Having clear, concise, and well-evidenced policy recommendations will help ensure your views are taken into account during legislative discussions.
- Engage with MEPs and National Representatives: The legislative process doesn’t stop with the Commission. Members of the European Parliament and representatives in the Council play a key role in shaping and amending proposals.
What to Do If Your Topic Is Not in the Work Programme
If your issue is missing from the CWP, it doesn’t mean advocacy efforts should stop. In fact, this can be an opportunity to shape the agenda going forward.
- Identify Alternative Avenues: Even if your topic isn’t explicitly mentioned, related policy areas might offer opportunities for engagement.
- Leverage National Influence: Member States can propose initiatives to the Commission via the Council. Engaging with national governments can help bring attention to your issue at the EU level.
- Use the European Parliament: MEPs can raise questions, propose resolutions, and push for legislative initiatives. Identifying supportive MEPs can be a strategic way to keep your topic on the agenda.
- Engage with the Commission for CWP 2026: With the new legislative cycle underway, the Commission will be setting its strategic priorities for the coming years. Now is the time to engage with the relevant DGs to shape the policy agenda and ensure your issue is considered for inclusion in the next Work Programme.
Conclusion
The publication of the Commission Work Programme 2025 is a key moment for any organisation involved in EU policy. Whether your issue is directly addressed or not, strategic engagement at this stage can shape legislative developments for years to come.
SAVOIRR provides real-time monitoring of EU policy changes, effortless but robust stakeholder intelligence, and a vast range of teamworking tools built on top of a massive pool of legislative documents, thus helping you stay ahead of the curve and coordinate and plan your actions. Contact us to learn how we can support your advocacy strategy!
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