In 2026, we will continue advancing economic impact assessments, particularly within the framework of Economic Reform Programmes and Reform Agendas in EU accession countries, contributing to strengthened evidence-based policymaking and improved strategic decision-making. Regionally, our focus will be on transport sector reforms and investments, while building capacity to address diverse national contexts.

To improve policy implementation, we will support EU candidate and potential candidate countries in setting up efficient monitoring systems—helping them report progress on Reform Agendas and track objectives under the Reform and Growth Facility, therefore boosting absorption of EU funds. Transparent reporting will foster accountability and increase trust in public institutions.

We will also expand support for central banks and financial supervisors, tackling topics such as calibrating macroprudential tools and integrating climate and green transition into macroeconomic analysis. This will provide robust insights for better strategic decisions.

An innovative initiative this year: a data science hackathon on credit risk analysis. Beyond technical skills, the event will foster problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity, enabling participants to bring practical tools back to their institutions.

Tax administrations will use the EUROMOD model to simulate tax changes, enabling analysis of their impact on income distribution, poverty levels, and government revenues.