Key facts
- External advisers submitted a report to Ursula von der Leyen on October 26, 2026, as part of a review of the European Commission.
- The report suggests shifting away from siloed departments towards greater cross-directorate collaboration.
- Several major Commission departments, including DG REGIO and DG AGRI, may face mergers or structural changes.
- The external group called for a stronger Secretariat-General and a human-centered approach to AI for administrative processes.
- Final recommendations are due to von der Leyen by the end of 2026, overseen by Commissioner Piotr Serafin.
Ursula von der Leyen's initiative to significantly restructure the European Commission has advanced with the submission of a report by external advisers on October 26, 2026. The report, led by Catherine Day, aims to enhance the EU executive's efficiency and streamline its administrative processes. Key proposals include fostering cross-departmental collaboration and strengthening the Secretariat-General. The review is politically sensitive, as it could lead to mergers of powerful directorates-general responsible for significant EU spending. Departments like DG REGIO and DG AGRI are among those potentially affected. The findings will inform final recommendations to be presented by Commissioner Piotr Serafin by the end of 2026, with structural changes likely linked to the next long-term EU budget negotiations.