Explainers

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 EU and its member states work together to prevent, counter and respond to hybrid threats and campaigns affecting Europe and its citizens. 

The EU has imposed massive and unprecedented sanctions against individuals and entities involved in Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. 

Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the EU and its member states have significantly stepped up their military support for the Ukrainian armed forces. 

The EU and its member states have stood with Ukraine and its people since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion. Together, they are Ukraine's biggest provider of financial, economic, military and humanitarian support.

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. 

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 European Union stands united in supporting chemical disarmament and non-proliferation, and in the fight against impunity for the use of chemical weapons.

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

The EU allows member states to use the national escape clause to give them additional budgetary flexibility to boost defence spending in response to rising security threats.