Explainers

At the March 2026 European Council, EU leaders agreed on an agenda of concrete measures with ambitious deadlines to strengthen the EU's competitiveness, resilience and strategic autonomy. 

Decisions and regulations on sanctions are adopted by the Council of the EU by unanimity. EU sanctions apply within the jurisdiction of the EU.

The EU is Ukraine's largest trading partner and its largest investor. Since the start of Russia's war of aggression, the EU has supported Ukraine's economy, including through targeted trade measures.

The EU's migration and asylum policy aims to manage migration effectively, ensure fair responsibility-sharing between member states and protect the rights of people seeking international protection.

The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming and fight climate change. All EU countries have ratified the agreement.

Find out about irregular arrivals in the EU, the main migratory routes, key figures and how the EU works with partner countries to manage migration.

EU countries are working to fight climate change and achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

The Common Security and Defence Policy enables the EU to deploy civilian and military missions and operations outside the EU, drawing on the operational capabilities of EU member states. 

EU sanctions can target governments of non-EU countries, entities and individuals. The EU can impose restrictive measures in order to implement UN resolutions, to reinforce UN sanctions or on its own initiative.

The EU has imposed sanctions against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in response to its nuclear- and ballistic missile-related activities and its military support for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.