The 2026 Commission Work Programme marks the start of a new policy cycle focused on competitiveness, innovation, and strategic autonomy. Brussels continues to focus on regulatory simplification, industrial capacity, and capital market integration.
For businesses, 2026 will be a pivotal year: one of regulatory resets, new funding frameworks, and the consolidation of Europe’s innovation ecosystem. Below, we explore three key policy fronts shaping the year ahead — Tech, Financial Services, and Industrial Policy — and what industry can expect as legislative proposals unfold.