Explainers

The recovery and resilience facility (RRF) is the bulk of Next Generation EU. It is a temporary instrument that provides grants and loans to support reforms and investments in the EU member states.

Horizon Europe is the EU's leading initiative for research and development. It fuels EU's scientific and technological excellence, boosts competitiveness and creates jobs.

The EU is preparing a new long-term budget for 2028 to 2034, setting out how nearly €2 trillion will be invested across the EU over the next seven years.

The EU and its member states are committed to ramp up Europe’s defence readiness and to boost their defence spending at a time of rapid geopolitical shifts and a radically changed security situation.

The EU is increasing its defence spending through several initiatives and instruments within the EU budget.

The long-term budget or multiannual financial framework (MFF) provides for the financing of programmes and actions in all policy areas, from agriculture and regional policy, to support to Ukraine, strategic technologies and migration, in line with the EU’s long-term priorities.

Tax rules for the digital economy which are based on the principles of tax good governance can help promote growth and, among other benefits, deliver on the green and digital transitions.

EU tax policy aims to ensure fairness and foster growth by harmonising taxation rules across member states, combatting fraud and adapting to global economic shifts. The Council is the sole legislator on EU tax matters.

Fighting tax fraud and avoidance is primarily the member states’ responsibility. Rules agreed at EU level promote cooperation on tax matters and help countries manage cross-border issues in order to ensure the functioning of the EU single market.