Energy tax and carbon emissions law on chopping block as EU Commission doubles down on ‘simplification’ drive

Curbing energy prices, defence and cutting red tape as part of its so-called “simplification” are at the heart of a slimmed down 2027 work programme published by the EU Commission on Wednesday (4 November). Among the 23 policy initiatives to be put on the table is a promise to create a clean heat market mechanism which, the commission says, should ““support the deployment of heat pumps, reduce up-front costs for households and lower exposure to high fossil fuel prices.” Other proposals will include a housing simplification package to make it easier to build and renovate homes and reduce costs. The commission will create a European Corporation on Critical Raw Materials as part of the bloc’s efforts to reduce its reliance on China. On defence, however, the work programme warns that Europe’s ambition to be militarily ready by 2030 is “at risk” despite what it describes as “unprecedented decisions and funding.” “Our external borders, critical infrastructure and the values underpinning our ‘European way’ are increasingly coming under threat,” the paper says, citing hybrid threats as an example. The commission says that it will “explore the possibility” of establishing a European Security Council with the EU’s allies. But the agenda’s main focus is on scaling back existing regulation. To read this story, log in or subscribeEnjoy access to all articles and 25 years of archives, comment and gift articles. Become a subscriber for as low as €1,75 per week.Read without limitsAlready a subscriber? Login