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.

Coordination amongst EU countries ensures that EU citizens can transfer their social security rights when moving and working within Europe.

The European Economic Area (EEA) extends the EU's single market to Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, enabling the free movement of goods, services, people and capital while fostering close political and economic cooperation.

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

The EU's industrial policy aims to strengthen the competitiveness of EU industry and to promote a more sustainable, resilient and digitalised economy that creates jobs.

The EU customs union creates a single tariff area for all goods imported from outside the EU, allowing the goods to move freely between member states without customs.

The EU is reforming its customs union to make procedures more efficient, strengthen security measures and improve risk management across member states.

SMEs are the backbone of Europe's industry and economy. The EU is actively working to reinforce their resilience and competitiveness.

Organic farming produces food by means of natural methods that have a limited environmental impact. The EU wants 25% of its farmland to be organic by 2030 and has clear rules to support that goal.

The Schengen area allows more than 450 million people to travel freely between member countries without going through border controls.