EU Policy Outlook 2026

This brief provides an overview of the most relevant policy developments in 2026 as outlined in the work programmes of the Council of the EU, European Commission, and European Parliament. It examines the motivations behind the various policy areas included, and lists the priority files that will either be introduced in 2026 or which are pending adoption and implementation.

EU-Policy-Outlook-2026

PRESS RELEASES

Working Breakfast Summary: Growing the Future: Sustainable Agriculture in Europe

Conference Summary: SMRs as a Key Contributor to the EU’s Energy Security: A Successful Event at the European Parliament

Working Lunch Summary: Automotive Industry at a Crossroads – Europe Needs Support, Technological Neutrality and Data Access

Working Dinner Summary: EU-Ukraine Trade at a Crossroads: A Strategic Perspective

Roundtable Summary: Future of EU Health Policies: Balancing Demands, Resources and Innovation

Lunch Debate Summary: From Potential to Progress: Strengthening the CEE Region’s Digital Economy

Lunch Debate Summary: Future of the Single Market for Services in the EU

Webinar Summary: EUIPO Mediation at a Glance – Helping Businesses Avoid IP Litigation

Marcin Nowacki, President of EEA & Vice President of ZPP has been elected President of the EESC’s TENSection Role of the EESC

Debate Summary: EU Climate Summary: Expectations and Reality

PODCASTS

Episode 3 – Europe’s Defence Readiness 2030: Building a Real Single Market for Defence at Speed

Episode 2 – Europe’s Deep-Tech Frontier How the EIC Funds and Scales Innovation

Episode 1 – Enforcing the Single Market: How the EU Removes Barriers for Businesses

The contribution of offshore wind to the Baltic Sea Member States’ energy transformation

Energy Crisis in the EU – The role of nuclear and renewable energy in reducing prices with Dominika Taranko

The EU-Ukraine Integration With Nazar Bobitski

The Offshore Renewable Energy Strategy with EESC Rapporteur Marcin Nowacki

Mobility Package with Dr. Matthias Bauer (ECIPE)

The complexities of an EU minimum wage

Key SME Issues at EU Level

MATERIALS

Policy Brief on the Environmental Omnibus Package

EESC Activities Report no 1/25

Commentary on the Cooperation Agreement Between the EESC and EP

Position Paper on Unlocking Growth: Overcoming Barriers to the Single Market for Services in the EU

Brief – Committee Changes in the New EP Term

EVENTS