Explainers

The EU has taken measures to grant start-ups and SMEs access to supercomputers for artificial intelligence testing and development.

EU rules on critical raw materials help secure the materials essential to Europe's economy, supporting strategic industries while strengthening the EU's capacity to extract, process, recycle and diversify supply sources.

Industrial activities cause emissions of substances which harm human health and the environment. EU countries have set common rules to limit such harmful emissions.

How is nature in the EU doing? What species and habitats are in the worst conservation conditions?

The EU's annual budget lays down all of the European Union's expenditure and revenue for one year. It provides for the funding of EU policies and programmes in line with the EU's political priorities and legal obligations.

The European Union and its member states are among the leading donors of humanitarian aid in the world, including to the Palestinian people, aiming to save lives, prevent and alleviate human suffering and maintain human dignity.

The EU digital identity wallet will allow citizens, residents and businesses across the EU to identify themselves and access public and private online services.

On 11 November 2026, the Council and the European Parliament reached agreement on the annual EU budget for 2027. Total commitments are set at €199.71 billion. Total payments amount to €211.52 billion.

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 EU and its member states have stood with Ukraine and its people since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion. Together, they are Ukraine's biggest provider of financial, economic, military and humanitarian support.