Towards a work programme for a new start for Europe

European Commission - Press release

Brussels, 12 November 2014

The Juncker Commission is committed to restoring citizens' confidence by demonstrating that the EU can deliver for them on the big challenges facing European economies and societies. That starts with setting the right priorities for the 2015 Commission Work Programme. Today, the preparation of the Work Programme was initiated, with First Vice-President Frans Timmermans i launching a process of discussion within the College and with the European Parliament and for the first time the Member States in the Council.

European Commission First Vice-President Frans Timmermans said: "People all around the EU are telling us they want change. They want Europe to focus more where it can help solve the big problems: jobs, growth and fairness in our societies. Citizens want Europe to improve their lives, not meddle with them. Businesses want Europe to enhance their competitiveness, not burden them with red tape. This Commission is committed to a fresh start, with a better prioritisation in what we do and a better way of doing it. Our first Work Programme will concentrate on a limited set of concrete initiatives which can make a positive difference for citizens. And, for the first time, we will work in dialogue with both the European Parliament and the Member States to build support for our programme, because proposals are only useful if they are adopted, accepted and implemented properly on the ground."

The Commission Work Programme will translate the ten points of the Political Guidelines, the Juncker Commission's political contract with the European Parliament, and the European Council's Strategic Agenda for the Union in Times of Change, into concrete deliverables.

Next Steps

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker i has tasked First Vice-President Frans Timmermans, in charge of Better Regulation, Interinstitutional Relations, the Rule of Law and the Charter of Fundamental Rights with overseeing the process of preparing the 2015 Work Programme.

First Vice-President Timmermans will lead discussions on the orientations with the European Parliament in the context of the structured dialogue foreseen under the Framework Agreement. For the first time, the Commission will also discuss this with the Member States in the General Affairs Council. President Juncker and First Vice-President Timmermans have today written to the Presidents of the European Parliament and the Council to launch the discussion. These exchanges are intended to create a shared sense of priorities across institutions and more effective delivery in areas where citizens expect European responses.

The aim is to adopt the 2015 Work Programme in mid-December.

Once the Work Programme is adopted, the Commission will work closely with the European Parliament and the Council, as well as stakeholders, including national Parliaments to take forward the initiatives announced and carry them through to provide tangible results for Europe's citizens.

IP/14/1661

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