Explainers

On 9 May 1950, the foundation of the EU was laid in the Schuman Declaration. Its two core principles: peace and solidarity.

The sharing of passenger data is useful in preventing, detecting and prosecuting terrorist offences and serious crime. The passenger name record directive aims to regulate the transfer of such basic data from the airlines to national authorities, while the advance passenger information regulations sets rules for the collection and transfer of more personal data to national authorities.

Soils are essential for the key services that nature offers, such as food and clean water. Ensuring soils are healthy is necessary for human health and well-being.

Tackling plastic waste is crucial in order for the EU to reduce pollution and protect the environment and human health. EU measures aim to develop a circular plastics economy.

Discover more facts and figures on the relationship between EU and Central Asia.

The EU has adopted various rules to manage legal migration flows, process asylum requests and return people staying illegally in the EU.

The EU cyber defence policy aims to enhance cooperation and investments to better detect, deter, and protect and defend against  a growing number of cyberattacks.

New plant-breeding methods can increase food security and mitigate the effects of climate change. To benefit from these methods and ensure they are used safely and spur innovation, the EU is introducing new rules.

Biodiversity is declining at alarming rates. EU countries are committed to restoring nature and preserving its biological diversity.

Discover how the topics and length of the conclusions have changed between 1975 and 2024 – over 50 years of the European Council’s existence.