European Commission plans large-scale administrative reform by 2026

The European Commission is preparing a large-scale organizational review aimed at making its administration more efficient, agile, and capable of responding to future challenges. President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the goal is to ensure Europe can act quickly and simply by implementing more straightforward procedures, clearer structures, and improved cooperation between departments.

A key component of the reform involves maximizing the value of public funds amid rising living costs for Europeans. The Commission also intends to prepare its workforce for the future by utilizing artificial intelligence and other technologies to reduce bureaucracy.

The reform process is entering its second phase following a report by the High-Level Reflection Group on the Future of the Commission's Public Service. Led by Catherine Day and composed of nine external experts, the group's independent findings will serve as the foundation for recommendations expected to be finalized by the end of 2026.