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. 

To strengthen the EU's long-term competitiveness, simpler rules are key. The EU is on track to simplify legislation in several areas, while also protecting its economic, social and environmental goals.

The competitiveness compass provides a plan to allow Europe to regain its economic growth and prosperity.

SAFE is an EU instrument providing loans of up to €150 billion to help EU member states make rapid and significant increases in their defence investments through common procurement.

The European climate law makes reaching the EU’s climate goal of reducing EU emissions by at least 55% by 2030 a legal obligation. EU countries have adopted new legislation to achieve this goal and make the EU climate-neutral by 2050.

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 space programme helps carry out everyday activities on Earth. The satellites that the EU sends into orbit allow millions of people to communicate using new technologies, to travel by land, sea and air, and to develop ways to improve the health of our planet.

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

New technologies in banking and payments are changing the financial services industry. By boosting innovation, the EU is creating a competitive financial sector while establishing rules that ensure financial stability and consumer protection.

Small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of Europe’s industry and economy. The EU is putting in place policies to support SMEs, given their an essential role in the transition to a sustainable and digital economy.