The European Commission published its Work Programme 2016 last month, in which it announces the priorities for the year to come and details the legislative and non-legislative actions which are planned.
First, the European Commission will continue efforts related to growth, jobs and investment.
The EFSI investment fund is now operational and first funds are flowing, including for research.
The EC plans to focus on improving the investment environment and deepen the single market so that it delivers better outcomes and the right environment for innovation for SMEs and start-ups.
Also, a circular economy package that maximises resource efficiency throughout the whole value chain will be presented.
The Commission views this as an important puzzle piece towards environmental sustainability, focussing on repair, re-use and recycling.
The implementation of the 2030 energy and climate package will be a key priority next year to ensure the targets are duly met.
In 2016, the Commission will come up with an effort-sharing proposal for sectors outside the Emission Trading Scheme, ETS, such as buildings, agriculture, and the de-carbonisation of transport.
Importantly as well, a new skills agenda will be presented to make sure that people find quality jobs in the new digital era.
The commission confirms its intention to present all relevant proposals related to the implementation of the Digital Single Market Strategy before the end of 2016 so that the Union can achieve a fully functional Digital Single Market during the mandate of this Commission.
The Commission also aims to adopt a new Internal Market Strategy, which is to focus on concrete measures, from helping start-ups to grow, to facilitating the cross-border provision of services, to upgrading the standardisation system and ensuring that Single Market legislation is properly applied and enforced in practice.
Finally, an important topic will be the conclusion of a fair Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership.
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