Many Announcements, Little Commitment: The EU Commission Presents the 2026 Work Programme

The 2026 work programme presented by the European Commission includes some key topics but clearly lacks real ambition. “This work programme makes it clear that the EU Commission is missing the difficulties and priorities of EU citizens. It is a collection of non-binding promises,” emphasized Katrin Langensiepen, Member of the European Parliament and Vice-Chair of the Social Affairs Committee.

As part of the "Affordable Housing Plan," the EU Commission aims to better protect tenants in order to combat the Europe-wide housing shortage. Among other things, a new legislative initiative on short-term rentals is planned. “Across Europe, rents and property prices are skyrocketing. Many people can barely afford to rent dignified living space, let alone purchase their own home. Meanwhile, companies like Airbnb are making millions in the short-term rental market. We must prioritize the interests of citizens over the profit motives of global corporations. I hope the Commission's proposal will be strong enough,” said Langensiepen.

The EU Commission also plans to present draft legislation on workplace quality. Katrin Langensiepen calls for a comprehensive package of measures that also includes, for example, psychosocial health in the workplace.

Particularly disappointing is the absence of a basic child guarantee with legal entitlement. While an anti-poverty strategy and a revision of the Child Guarantee are planned, both remain non-binding. Without genuine legal rights and funding, child poverty will persist.

The planned gender equality strategy also falls short of expectations. “Anyone who wants equality must take binding action, not just write strategy papers,” Langensiepen stressed.

“We must measure our society by the standard of living of our most vulnerable,  our children. We don't need more recommendations or strategies, but concrete legislative proposals. This especially includes implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.”

All in all, this work programme does not appear particularly ambitious. Much remains vague or non-binding. It remains to be seen whether the announced initiatives will truly bring about the change that Europe urgently needs.