The European Union faces swift and complex challenges, making unity, urgency, and ambition essential. President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on behalf of the Council of the EU, and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen embodied this spirit by signing the Joint Declaration during the European Council meeting today.
The Joint Declaration emphasizes legislative actions enhancing the EU’s competitiveness and resilience, protecting citizens and businesses, while also aiming for ambitious simplification goals and consensus on the next Multiannual Financial Framework. Key policy objectives prioritize European defence and security, sustainable prosperity, competitiveness, societal strengthening, comprehensive migration management, democracy protection, value upholding, and global influence.
This Declaration outlines legislative priorities the three Institutions agreed to focus on in 2026. Continuous monitoring of these proposals throughout the year is vital to provide updates and identify potential delays ahead of time.
President Metsola stated: “Europe progresses when united. This 2026 Joint Declaration represents more than words—it signifies unity and our resolve to meet people’s expectations. For the first time, it establishes a clear and focused ten-legislative priority list to strengthen, secure, and enhance our Union’s competitiveness. Parliament is ready to begin work.”
President von der Leyen commented: “Today, we are united with a shared vision for our Union’s future. We must inaugurate a new era of European security, starting with a just and lasting peace for Ukraine and fortifying our defenses. Additionally, we must cultivate a fairer, more competitive Europe for our citizens and businesses. We are also dedicated to promptly agreeing on the forthcoming long-term EU budget, as achieving our common vision demands the means to implement it.”
Next steps
The Joint Declaration will soon be published in the EU’s Official Journal. The co-legislators will ensure its timely and effective implementation.
Background
According to the Interinstitutional Agreement on better law-making signed in 2016, the European Parliament, the Council, and the Commission discuss and agree on legislative priorities each year through an annual Joint Declaration, following the Commission’s adoption of its work programme. This procedure promotes efficient collaboration on key legislative proposals, with the Parliament and the Council serving as co-legislators.
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