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. 

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.

How will the EU become more energy efficient? The EU is setting new targets for energy efficiency and savings.

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.

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.

The EU aims to ensure that only safe products are placed on the European market and that risky products can be removed swiftly.

The single market ensures the free movement of goods, services, capital and people.  
It facilitates everyday life, stimulates growth and boosts innovation.

In an era of growing instability, the EU is acting with determination to strengthen its competitiveness, ensuring prosperity and security for its citizens.