# European People's Party Study Days in Taormina

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/european-peoples-party-study-days-in-taormina
> Updated: 2026-10-14T17:00:06.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 3.

The European People's Party (PPE) convened its Study Days in Taormina, Sicily, from October 12 to 15, 2026. The event brought together over 140 MEPs and high-ranking officials, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, and PPE President Manfred Weber.

Initial preparations focused on discussing political priorities for the remainder of the 2024-2029 European legislative term, specifically targeting economic growth, migration management, and cohesion policies. As the summit progressed, participants aimed to establish a ‘Taormina Roadmap’—also referred to as the ‘Taormina Document’—to address governance challenges and position the EU within the global geo-economic landscape.

By October 14, the PPE formally outlined its political roadmap through the ‘Taormina Document’. This document establishes key policy objectives for the group leading up to 2029, including boosting European competitiveness, reducing administrative burdens for businesses and farmers, and lowering energy costs. The roadmap also emphasizes strengthening defense, border controls, and investments in innovation and artificial intelligence. Furthermore, the PPE intends to focus on energy sovereignty and the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework, with specific emphasis on territorial cohesion and support for the agriculture, fishing, and island regions sectors.

During the proceedings, Manfred Weber reaffirmed the PPE’s commitment to supporting Ukraine against the Russian invasion. Ursula von der Leyen addressed the necessity of a more streamlined European regulatory framework, proposing a ‘Pact against gold-plating’ to prevent member states from adding excessive bureaucracy. In a regional context, Sicilian agricultural leaders met with Commissioner Christophe Hansen to discuss securing predictable budgets and protecting farm incomes.

## Claims

- Sicilian agricultural organizations presented five priorities to EU Commissioner Christophe Hansen, including predictable resources and income protection. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The PPE maintains its commitment to supporting Ukraine following the Russian invasion. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Ursula von der Leyen advocates for reducing bureaucracy and achieving energy autonomy. (single source)
- The PPE has established the 'Taormina Document' to outline political priorities through 2029. (single source)
- The European Commission proposes a 'Pact against gold-plating' to prevent member states from adding excessive national bureaucracy to EU directives. (single source)
- European Social Fund Plus (FSE+) resources have successfully supported female employment and early childhood services in Sicily. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-14: European People's Party outlines 2029 policy roadmap in Taormina

The European People's Party has released the ‘Taormina Document,’ outlining political priorities through 2029, including energy sovereignty, competitiveness, and support for agriculture and fishing.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-peoples-party-outlines-2029-policy-roadmap-in-taormina

### 2026-10-12: European People's Party holds Taormina summit to set 2024–2029 priorities

The European People's Party held a summit in Taormina, Sicily, to set political priorities for 2024–2029, focusing on competitiveness, energy sovereignty, and reducing EU bureaucracy.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-peoples-party-leaders-meet-in-taormina-for-study-days

### 2026-10-09: Taormina to host European People's Party Study Days

Over 140 MEPs and top EU leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and Roberta Metsola, will meet in Taormina, Sicily, to discuss political priorities for the 2024-2029 legislative term.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/taormina-to-host-european-peoples-party-study-days

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Cite as: European People's Party Study Days in Taormina. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/european-peoples-party-study-days-in-taormina