On 21 October, the European Commission published its work programme 2026, supplemented by an annex setting out the timetable, the texts under discussion and the texts to be evaluated or repealed (see press release). As far as social Europe is concerned, the programme merely restates a number of announcements that have already been repeated many times.
1/ The quality jobs “package” is duly scheduled, though with no clues whatsoever regarding its content (4th quarter). The text merely indicates that this “Quality Jobs Act” must “ensure that modern employment keeps pace with the modern economy”.
2/ The other “package” on “fair labour mobility” (3rd quarter) will include legislative proposals relating to: a European social security pass; strengthening the European Labour Authority; and skills portability.
3/ As for the current legislative process, one awaited text is absent from the programme: the proposal for a directive on telework and the right to disconnect. This should mean that it will be put forward by the end of 2025. As for the proposal for a directive on quality traineeships, it looks set to continue working its way through the legislative process, as do the proposals for a regulation on the declaration of posting of workers, on the revision of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund and the creation of an EU talent pool. On the other hand, the proposed revision of the directive on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to carcinogens, mutagens and reprotoxic substances at work may be abandoned.
4/ Several strategies and initiatives are announced to boost citizens’ purchasing power and combat poverty, an area where the EU is lagging behind. The following are announced: an initiative to tackle “issues related to short-term rentals” (2nd quarter); a “European Affordable Housing Plan” (4th quarter) and an “EU anti-poverty strategy” to “address structural causes of exclusion and strengthen support services” (2nd quarter). This will include “a strengthened Child Guarantee that will include investments and reforms to tackle child poverty”. There are also two strategies covering “gender equality” (1st quarter) and “the rights of persons with disabilities” (2nd quarter).
5/ Work on the goal of simplification will continue, so as to cut the administrative burdens faced by companies, with a number of new “omnibus” packages on various topics. However these do not affect social legislation – directly, at least.
6/ A number of significant texts that may affect employment relationships are announced: the presentation of a 28th regime for innovative companies (1st quarter) that might include a simplification of the social legislation applicable to start-ups; a revision of public procurement rules (2nd quarter) that might allow a strengthening of the obligation to adhere to social clauses, such as restricting public contracts to companies that apply a collective agreement, an evaluation of the legislation covering market surveillance and compliance of products, and an evaluation of the whistleblower protection directive (4th quarter).
The Commission’s work programme for 2026
IR Notes: an independent, reliable and balanced briefing note
IR Notes is an independent, reliable and balanced briefing note on industrial relations and labour law in Europe.
Published in 6 languages and sold by subscription, this newsletter gives you access to concise, targeted and practical information on the major themes of social Europe and transnational social dialogue.
With our experts and national correspondents, we adopt a dynamic, practical and useful approach to European social monitoring. We select the most relevant topics, which are a source of cross-disciplinary and inspiring ideas.
Other IR Share Services
We are called upon to devise training programmes based on needs expressed by a number of companies; we publish analyses and create tailor-made training activities for groups, works councils, trade unions and law firms. Our most recent projects are described here
IR Research
As Eurofound’s National correspondent, IR Share provides information on working conditions, industrial relations and the labour market to support the EU institutions and bodies, Member States and social partners in shaping social Europe, as well as promoting social dialogue on the basis of comparative information and research.
IR Training
Members of the IR Share team are regularly called upon to devise training courses. We deliver these either directly or working together with partners, to ensure that the training is tailored to the exact needs expressed.
IR Doc
IR Doc is a multilingual resource centre providing documentation on labour law and industrial relations at European Union and Member State level, including collective agreements concluded by the social partners at European, sectoral and transnational company level.
IR Club
Since 2011, the European Works Councils Club has sought to co-construct the foundations of a European social dialogue that can meet the social and environmental challenges faced by transnational companies.
Get in Touch
Follow us on Social Media
