EU institutions define priorities for 2026: A Joint Declaration on EU legislative priorities for 2026 was signed today by the European Parliament, Council and Commission

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.

Given the speed and complexity of challenges faced by the European Union, unity, urgency and ambition are key. That is also the spirit behind which President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, representing the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, signed the Joint Declaration in the margins of the European Council today.

The Joint Declaration prioritises legislative actions that focus on boosting the EU’s competitiveness and resilience, safeguarding citizens and businesses, while pursuing ambitious simplification goals and working towards swift agreement on the next Multiannual Financial Framework. Utmost priority will be given to key policy objectives for a new era for European defence and security, to secure Europe’s sustainable prosperity, competitiveness and simplification, to strengthen our societies and our social model and quality of life, to ensure comprehensive approach to boarder management and migration, to protect our democracy, uphold our values and to leverage our global influence and partnerships.

The Declaration highlights legislative proposals listed in the accompanying document, which the three Institutions commit to pay particular attention to and to prioritise in 2026. Progress on these proposals should be regularly monitored throughout the year, both to provide updates on the state of play and to allow for early warning of any developments that risk any delays.

The Presidents of the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission, will closely ensure the timely and effective implementation of this Joint Declaration.

President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, said: “Europe moves when we all pull in the same direction. This Joint Declaration for 2026 is more than just words on a paper – it is a sign of unity and our firm conviction to deliver on people’s expectations. For the first time, it sets out a clear and focused list of ten legislative priorities to make our Union stronger, safer, and more competitive. Parliament is ready to get to work.”

President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “Today we stand united with a shared vision for our Union’s future. We must deliver a new era of European security – and that starts with a just and lasting peace for Ukraine an strengthening our own defences. We must also build a more competitive, fairer Europe  for our citizens and businesses. And finally we are committed to reaching a swift agreement on the next long-term EU budget. Because to turn our common vision into reality, we must have the means to deliver it.”

Next steps

The Joint Declaration will be published in the EU’s Official Journal in the coming days. The co-legislators will ensure the timely and effective implementation of this Joint Declaration.

Background

As set out in the Interinstitutional Agreement on better law-making, signed in 2016 by the three institutions the European Parliament, the Council, and the Commission discuss and agree on legislative priorities for the next year through an annual Joint Declaration, after the Commission adopts its work programme. This approach helps the institutions collaborate more efficiently on key legislative proposals, with the Parliament and the Council acting as co-legislators.