A draft 18-month work programme for the Working Party on Competitiveness and Growth (High Level) has been proposed by the IE-LT-EL Trio Presidency, setting three priorities: deepening the Single Market for All, innovation and technology leadership, and resilient and sustainable industry. The programme, published in a Council note on 24 July 2026, is scheduled for discussion on 7 September 2026 and aims to signal Member State priorities to the European Commission, provide strategic advice for ministerial debates, and consult innovative companies and business and consumer associations.
The programme focuses on SMEs, simplification, digital tools, and public procurement under the Single Market priority; regulatory sandboxes and strategic sectors such as semiconductors, AI, and clean tech under innovation; and decarbonisation, supply chain diversification, and defence industry resilience under the industry priority. It aligns with several EU milestones: the Letta Report of April 2024, the Draghi Report of September 2024, the Competitiveness Compass of January 2025, the Single Market Strategy of May 2025, and the European Council's 'One Europe, One Market' agenda of March 2026. Implementation is targeted by the end of 2027. The programme also references the Commission President's February 2026 letter, which noted ten simplification omnibus packages expected to deliver around €15 billion in annual administrative savings.
Policy orientations and trade-offs
The programme balances deepening integration with national flexibility. It emphasises SME support and regulatory simplification, which could reduce administrative burdens for small businesses but may require Member States to harmonise rules, potentially limiting national discretion. The focus on innovation leadership through regulatory sandboxes may accelerate technology deployment but could raise concerns about regulatory arbitrage or uneven enforcement across Member States. The resilient industry priority aims to diversify supply chains and strengthen defence production, which may increase costs for businesses in the short term but enhance long-term security.
Stakeholder impact
- SMEs: Positive impact from simplification measures and digital tools, potentially reducing compliance costs and improving access to public procurement. However, SMEs may face challenges adapting to new digital requirements. - Large technology and industrial companies: Beneficiaries of regulatory sandboxes and strategic sector support, but may face increased competition from new entrants and stricter decarbonisation targets. - Consumer and business associations: Gained a consultation role, but their influence depends on how effectively their input is integrated into ministerial debates. - National authorities: Required to align with EU-level priorities, which may reduce flexibility in industrial policy but provide clearer direction for investment.
Institutional follow-up
The programme is to be discussed at the Working Party on Competitiveness and Growth on 7 September 2026. Following that, the Trio Presidency will likely present a final version to the Council for endorsement. The Commission is expected to take the programme's priorities into account when drafting future legislative proposals, particularly the simplification omnibus packages and the Single Market Strategy implementation.