Polski
The European Commission has adopted a work program for 2024, with a strong emphasis on simplifying regulations for citizens and businesses across the European Union and a focus on implementing commitments from the 2019 policy guidelines, including on the environment, among others. The work program is adopted annually and sets out a list of actions the EC intends to take in the near term, and is the result of close cooperation with the European Parliament, member states and EU advisory bodies.
EC work program 2024 – summary of activities to date
In addition to plans for 2024. work program provides a summary of what has been done so far. At the beginning of the current EC term, in 2019, an ambitious agenda for a strong and more resilient EU was outlined. Commitments have been made to bold action to be the first climate-neutral continent and protect Europe’s environment, accelerate digital transformation, boost the economy, increase protection for citizens, and nurture and strengthen democracy.
However, the prepared document stresses that the world looks very different now than it will in 2019. The EU has had to respond and adapt to current challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, while pursuing its commitments. Despite these unexpected challenges, more than 90 percent. commitments made in the 2019 policy guidelines. has been implemented. The current work program involves finalizing key legislative proposals.
EC work program for 2024 – assumptions
The work program reflects the achievements of the past four years, outlines the Commission’s proposals for the coming months and significant initiatives to cut red tape. Some of these simplifications have been presented before (as of March 2023, a total of 15 proposals and initiatives have been made public). As part of its work program for the coming year, the Commission is presenting 26 additional proposals aimed at reducing administrative burdens without lowering social, safety, consumer, environmental or economic standards. The new initiatives build on the State of the Union address delivered by President Ursula von der Leyen in 2023. For more information, see an earlier article: State of the EU Address 2023.
EC work program for 2024 – environmental commitments
The Commission, according to the program presented, will continue to implement the European Green Deal, ensuring that the green transition is fair, smart and inclusive. This will include. Conduct dialogue with citizens and the industrial sector, and work to prepare support in the face of the transition, among other things. through the Social Climate Fund, targeting vulnerable citizens and businesses.
As part of the ongoing work to move the EU toward climate neutrality, it is necessary to reach agreement on a proposal re: the removal of CO2emissions, reduction of methane emissions in the energy sector, industrial emissions, energy performance of buildings, CO standards.2 for new vehicles, motor vehicle approval, energy market construction, renewable and natural gases, and hydrogen. In the coming year, the EC will also begin the process to set a climate target for 2040.
The European Commission, as part of new initiatives, will present a proposal on industrial carbon management, which will aim to define a strategy for environmentally sustainableCO2 capture, utilization and storage. As part of its work to implement the European Green Deal, the EC also intends to launch a Water Deficit Resilience Initiative in the first quarter of next year to ensure that citizens, nature and the economy have access to the resource, while countering catastrophic flooding and shortages.
EC work program 2024 – the way forward
As part of its ongoing work, the Commission will work closely with the European Parliament and the Council to reach agreements on the planned initiatives before the end of the current term, which runs until October 31, 2024.
