Explainers

The EU has taken a number of measures to support the prosecution of Russia’s international crimes committed in and against Ukraine and to ensure that Ukraine and its people receive war reparations.

The critical medicines act addresses shortages of key medicines to better meet patient needs and improve the EU’s resilience to health crises.

The EU is Brazil's second-biggest trading partner after China, accounting for over 15% of its total trade. Brazil is the EU's tenth-biggest trading partner.

Two agreements frame EU-Mercosur relations within a modernised and comprehensive partnership, covering political dialogue and trade cooperation. The EU has also introduced specific rules to protect its farming sector.

The trade relationship connects over 700 million people across Europe and South America. The EU is currently working on adopting the EU-Mercosur trade agreement.

Media freedom and pluralism are a vital part of democracy and of the fundamental rights of EU citizens. Find out more about the work on this area.

The euro is the official currency of 21 EU member states, which together make up the euro area. Over 350 million EU citizens use the euro every day. 

Following the military coup on 1 February 2021, and the subsequent military and police repression against peaceful demonstrators, the EU has drastically increased sanctions against Myanmar.

Shifting towards clean energy is a must to fight climate change and an opportunity to increase energy independence.

The EU is working to establish a new customs authority to strengthen cooperation between national customs authorities and support  the effective functioning of the customs union.