BRUSSELS, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission on Wednesday unveiled its 2027 work programme, outlining plans to boost competitiveness by deepening the European Union (EU) single market, lowering energy costs and cutting red tape, while strengthening defence and security, improving the social model, tackling climate change and expanding global partnerships.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the programme sets out ambitious policies to strengthen the EU's influence and prepare it for future challenges.
"From deepening the single market to expanding our global partnerships. With strategic, streamlined policies, we will keep building a strong, independent Europe. A Europe that delivers for its citizens and businesses," she said.
According to the Commission, the EU plans to take coordinated action to address high energy prices, further remove single market barriers and establish a European corporation on critical raw materials.
The Commission will also advance the Savings and Investments Union, including reforms to the venture capital framework and a bank competitiveness and simplification package. It plans to propose a blueprint for artificial intelligence in health, transport, agri-food, manufacturing, defense and space.
On defense, the Commission aims to continue investment. It plans to strengthen EU-Ukraine defence industrial cooperation and introduce new instruments to enhance defence capabilities and responses to security threats. It also announced measures to strengthen external border security and modernize the Schengen visa framework.
On climate action, the Commission will propose a European Water Initiative and a European Heatwave Plan, and launch a Climate Insurance Alliance to address gaps in climate insurance coverage.
In foreign relations, the EU plans to deepen strategic cooperation with key partners including Canada and strengthen trade and economic ties abroad, notably with Indonesia, India, Australia, the Philippines and Thailand. It will also diversify supply chains, continue supporting Ukraine and contribute to peace and stability in the Middle East.
Other priorities for improving the social model include better access to affordable housing, promoting quality care and higher education. The bloc also stressed protection of democracy against disinformation and foreign interference.
Furthermore, the 2027 work programme also calls for cooperation with the eurozone members and the European Central Bank to strengthen the international role of the euro, support legislative negotiations on the digital euro and further assess a possible reform of the European sovereign safety net architecture. ■
