Latest documents

Summary : On 21 October 2025, the European Commission under Ursula von der Leyen's second mandate adopted its work programme for 2026 (2026 CWP). In line with the Commission President's political guidelines and letter of intent and highlighting the need for full implementation of Mario Draghi's competitiveness report, the 2026 CWP places a strong emphasis on competitiveness, innovation and collective security. In parallel, the Commission commits to advancing simplification, implementation, and this year, also to strengthening enforcement. These three areas will remain key horizontal priorities for the entire Commission mandate. Just like last year's CWP, the 2026 CWP adheres to the seven headline ambitions put forward in the political guidelines. It is accompanied by a report on implementation, simplification and enforcement, the first of its kind. This new annual report is set to replace the annual burden survey. Annex I of the 2026 CWP puts forward 70 major new legislative and non-legislative initiatives, 44 % of which fall under the competitiveness headline ambition. (Up to) 48 of the new initiatives are legislative, including three sector-specific omnibus packages (on energy product legislation, taxation and citizens). Of the forthcoming legislative initiatives, 67 % are likely revisions of existing legislation, while more than half have a strong simplification dimension. Unlike previous CWPs, the 2026 CWP does not indicate whether a legislative initiative will be accompanied by an impact assessment; this lack of transparency runs counter to the spirit of the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making. Information on the Commission's 'Have your say' portal shows that, at the time of writing, two thirds of the up to 48 legislative initiatives were expected to be accompanied by an impact assessment (though the final number may be higher). The annual evaluation plan presented in Annex II of the CWP, comprising 20 evaluations, does not appear exhaustive. Finally, the communication on Better Regulation, expected in Q2 2026, may entail a revision of the Better Regulation Guidelines, the first since 2021.

Authors : ANGLMAYER Irmgard, DALLI HUBERT, IOANNIDES Isabelle

Summary : This study serves as an evidence base to support policy discussions and contributes to a future revision of the Combined Transport Directive. It identifies and analyses a subset of the network of intermodal freight terminals across the European Union, offering insights into their location, served transport modes, physical area, handling capacity (in TEUs), loading equipment, and additional services provided. The report includes selected case studies that illustrate targeted actions aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of terminal operations. Furthermore, it maps the main connections between inland and port-based terminals and key European seaports. A dedicated analysis is also presented on the average distances travelled to and from intermodal terminals in four selected EU Member States, providing context on logistical patterns and accessibility. Together, these findings lay the groundwork for informed policy development with a view to incentive the expansion of the EU’s multimodal freight transport framework.

Summary : The European Parliament is vested with powers of democratic oversight and political scrutiny vis-à-vis the European Commission. These powers of Parliament enhance the democratic legitimacy of the EU as a whole, and help increase the transparency and accountability of the Commission as the EU's executive body. This study examines Parliament's oversight and scrutiny powers over the Commission. It focuses mainly, but not exclusively, on the powers that are enshrined in specific provisions of the EU Treaties. This includes Parliament's role in the Commission's investiture, in motions of censure, parliamentary questions, committees of inquiry and special committees, and in the Commission's obligations to report, consult and inform. It also looks into Parliament's scrutiny over budgetary issues, of delegated acts, in the context of the EU legislative procedure and agenda-setting, of legal proceedings before the Court of Justice of the European Union, and of the EU's external relations. The study builds on a previous EPRS study on parliamentary scrutiny of the Commission, originally requested by the European Parliament's Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO) in 2018. The data presented in this edition focus on the ninth term parliamentary term (2019 to 2024).

Authors : TENHUNEN Susanna, EISELE Katharina, AHAMAD MADATALI HANNAH NAFIZE, JANSEN Talander Hugo

Summary : ATAG to the study - Using an own, newly elaborated functional definition of mobility poverty, this study first estimates mobility poverty in the nine EU outermost regions and assesses its effects on their transport and tourism sectors. It then reviews the Fit for 55 transport-related legislation and analyses its implications for these remote territories. It also outlines the main EU, national and regional measures tackling the adverse effects of both mobility poverty and the new climate legislation, and finally concludes with policy recommendations.

Summary : Using an own, newly elaborated functional definition of mobility poverty, this study first estimates mobility poverty in the nine EU outermost regions and assesses its effects on their transport and tourism sectors. It then reviews the Fit for 55 transport-related legislation and analyses its implications for these remote territories. It also outlines the main EU, national and regional measures tackling the adverse effects of both mobility poverty and the new climate legislation, and finally concludes with policy recommendations.

Summary : ATAG to the study - This study offers a comprehensive overview of silver tourism in the EU, detailing the sector’s current state and potential growth opportunities. It establishes a conceptual framework that categorises key areas within silver tourism and examines specific challenges and opportunities within each. The study concludes with targeted recommendations to address these challenges.

Summary : This study offers a comprehensive overview of silver tourism in the EU, detailing the sector’s current state and potential growth opportunities. It establishes a conceptual framework that categorises key areas within silver tourism and examines specific challenges and opportunities within each. The study concludes with targeted recommendations to address these challenges.

Summary : Commitments made at the confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate 2024-2029

Summary : Commitments made by Wopke Hoekstra, Commissioner-designate for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth, 2024-2029

Authors : MAKAY Monika, CIUCCI MATTEO, DEBYSER Ariane, ANGERER Jost, POLLUVEER KRISTI, THOMAS ALIZÉE HELEN, GULIČ NOSAN ENIJA

Summary : ATAG to the study - Based on a comprehensive review of eleven legislative texts of the ‘Fit for 55’ package with a transport policy dimension, this study highlights the expected impacts they may produce on connectivity and mobility, encompassing the concepts of efficiency and effectiveness in the ability of passengers and goods to travel within the EU.

Summary : Based on a comprehensive review of eleven legislative texts of the ‘Fit for 55’ package with a transport policy dimension, this study highlights the expected impacts they may produce on connectivity and mobility, encompassing the concepts of efficiency and effectiveness in the ability of passengers and goods to travel within the EU.