Commission targets stalled proposals and regulatory burdens in 2027 agenda

The European Commission intends to abandon a series of stalled legislative proposals while prioritising competitiveness, deregulation and economic security in 2027. Its annual Work Programme puts the emphasis on completing legislation already under preparation and removing outdated rules.

The withdrawals include a 2021 energy taxation overhaul intended to give electricity a lower tax rate than fossil fuels. EU governments have been unable to agree on the proposal for five years. The Commission also plans an energy simplification package, but the programme provides no details of its scope.

Another measure being dropped is the Green Claims Directive, put forward in March 2023 to set requirements for evidence supporting companies’ environmental claims. It was shelved in June 2025 following a dispute between the Commission and EU governments over reporting requirements. The Commission says agreement among member countries is unlikely within a reasonable timeframe.

In financial services, the proposed Financial Data Access regulation and European Deposit Insurance Scheme are being withdrawn. The former would have allowed third parties to access information held by insurers, asset managers and pension funds, among others. A separate package covering banking competitiveness and simplification is due in the first quarter of 2027.

Plans for mid-2027 include a digital transformation package. On data retention, the Commission now intends to conduct further impact assessment before following up next year, rather than committing to the EU-wide proposal it had previously suggested could be ready by year-end.

The agenda also seeks to curb unnecessary national requirements added when EU legislation is implemented. Proposals to accelerate permits for strategically important projects are planned for the third quarter of 2027.