The Commission Work Programme 2014
The European Commission's Work Programme for 2014 sets out four priority areas in which it intends to act: economic and monetary union, sustainable growth, justice and security and external action. The UK Government broadly supports the programme but has some specific concerns and reservations.
The European Commission published its Work Programme and Roadmaps for 2014 on 22 October 2013. It will focus on four priority areas:
- Economic and Monetary Union
- Smart, sustainable and inclusive growth
- Justice and security
- External action
The UK Government broadly supports the Work Programme, but with some exceptions or reservations: it will not join the Single Resolution Mechanism or support proposals for a European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) and reform of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF). It will also oppose any extension of current free movement rights and has concerns about the Data Protection Package.
The European Scrutiny Committee recommended that the Work Programme be debated on the floor of the House, and that it should be given more weight in the scrutiny process with a view to producing a report in which Departmental Select Committees also identify areas for scrutiny.