The EBA Publishes Its 2026 Work Programme And Takes Action For A More Efficient Regulatory And Supervisory Framework In The EU

The European Banking Authority (EBA) published today its Work Programme outlining the key priorities and initiatives for 2026. Besides focusing on three key priorities, the EBA’s work will aim at strengthening the simplicity and efficiency of the regulatory and supervisory framework for banks and financial entities in the EU, in close cooperation with the relevant EU and non-EU stakeholders. In this respect, the EBA launched a comprehensive assessment of the framework, and decided to engage in 21 actions to enhance its efficiency. The 2026 Work Programme includes specific actions for next year for each of the four areas under review. The EBA will report on a regular basis on the implementation of all the recommendations.

The 2026 Work Programme builds around three priorities: i) developing a rulebook which contributes to an efficient, resilient and sustainable single market; ii) performing risk assessments with tools, data and methodologies which support effective analysis, supervision and oversight; iii) tackling innovation to enhance the technological capacity of all stakeholders. 2026 will mark an important milestone for the EBA, as the Authority will embark on its oversight and supervisory functions arising from new responsibilities over critical third-party providers (DORA), issuers of crypto assets (MICA), and the use of initial margin models (EMIR). On the other hand, the anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) responsibilities it has exerted since 2020 will have been transferred to the newly established Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA).

The EBA will continue its traditional policy development, convergence and risk analysis work but with a view to enhancing the efficiency and simplification of the EU regulatory and supervisory framework. In this respect, the EBA launched earlier this year a comprehensive review of the framework focusing on four key areas.  The review covered the production of Level 2 and Level 3 regulatory products, the reporting burden for financial institutions, the EBA's contribution to the EU prudential regulatory framework, and internal working arrangements, and resulted in 21 recommendations. They aim to preserve the resilience of the EU financial system, enhance the benefits of the Single Market, and maintain a level playing field across the EU by ensuring appropriate proportionality adjustments and no fragmentation of the Single Rulebook.

Legal basis, background and next steps

The EBA Board of Supervisors, on the basis of a proposal by the EBA Management Board, has adopted the Work Programme on 29 September 2025 in accordance with Article 43 of the EBA Founding Regulation.

As in previous years, the Work Programme was informed by the recommendations of the EBA’s Advisory Committee on Proportionality and the input from the European Commission. Its executive summary will be made available in all official EU languages.

The proposals for a more efficient regulatory and supervisory framework in the EU were prepared by a Task Force on the Efficiency of the Regulatory and Supervisory Framework composed of Board of Supervisors’ members and EBA staff and approved by the EBA Board of Supervisors.