Explainers

The Republic of Moldova applied for EU membership in March 2022 and was granted candidate status in June 2022. Accession negotiations were formally opened in June 2024. The EU and Moldova also cooperate in the context of the Eastern Partnership.

The EU and Canada represent a combined population of around 490 million people. Together they make up almost one fifth of global GDP and approximately 19% of global trade in goods and services.

The European Union and New Zealand have been linked by a free trade agreement since 1 May 2024. In 2025, trade in goods between the EU and New Zealand was worth over €8 billion.

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. 

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 and its member states stand united in their unwavering support for Ukraine. Accession negotiations with Ukraine were formally opened in June 2024. The EU and Ukraine also cooperate within the Eastern Partnership.

The EU and the US have the world's most extensive bilateral trade and investment relationship and work together to tackle global security challenges.

EU relations with Armenia are based on the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement, in force since 2021. The EU is a key partner for Armenia’s reform agenda and the country’s largest donor.

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

The EU and China are among the biggest trading partners in the world.