Explainers

The EU's common agricultural policy (CAP) ensures food security, encourages sustainable farming and supports rural areas.

Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the EU and its member states have significantly stepped up their military support for the Ukrainian armed forces. 

The Republic of Moldova applied for EU membership in March 2022 and was granted candidate status in June 2022. Accession negotiations were formally opened in June 2024. The EU and Moldova also cooperate in the context of the Eastern Partnership.

The EU has imposed sanctions against individuals, groups and entities involved in terrorist acts, including ISIL/Da'esh, Al-Qaida, Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

The EU sets limits on the amount of fish which can be caught in EU waters to ensure that stocks are not overexploited.

SMEs are the backbone of Europe's industry and economy. The EU is actively working to reinforce their resilience and competitiveness.

The EU is taking action to manage the rapid increase in the number of small parcels entering the single market, largely via e-commerce.

Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the EU has taken a number of steps to help refugees fleeing the war, including through the EU temporary protection mechanism.

The EU and Canada represent a combined population of around 490 million people. Together they make up almost one fifth of global GDP and approximately 19% of global trade in goods and services.

The EU integrates new members through the enlargement process once they meet a number of political and economic conditions. Each candidate country has to fulfil the same conditions and complete the same steps.