The Commission’s annual work programme translates the annual policy strategy into policy objectives and an operational programme of decisions to be adopted by the Commission. It sets out major political priorities and identifies legislative initiatives, executive and other acts that the Commission intends to adopt for the realisation of these priorities

The Commission Work Programme (CWP) defines the agenda for the Commission for 2010 and sets the direction of its work for the next five years. It is based on the political guidelines presented in 2009 which provide a strategic outlook on the work the Barroso II Commission will undertake in the next five years. The CWP provides indicative lists of initiatives under preparation for 2010 and the years 2011-2014.

This work programme has several new features which distinguishes it from its predecessors. It is multiannual which will improve predictability of the Commission's work as well as facilitate cooperation with the other institutions. Following the experience of the financial crisis, the new Work Programme has an increased element of flexibility, which will allow the Commission to react rapidly if necessary.

The Commission's rules of procedure require that the Commission defines annual priorities and adopts a work programme for each year. The annual work programme translates the annual policy strategy into policy objectives and an operational programme of decisions to be adopted by the Commission.

Past programmes can still be accessed in the European Commission website.