Explainers

Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine caused an unprecedented energy crisis in Europe in 2022. EU countries stood united and their response helped keep prices down.

Adopting the euro is more than just changing currency. It offers tangible and lasting benefits for citizens, businesses and overall economic stability.

The EU is working on a strategy to further increase consumer protection and trust in order to encourage investment in European capital markets.

The EU aims to further develop its financial and capital markets to meet its economic needs, promote innovation and improve access to funding.

The Digital Markets Act (DMA) aims to ensure fair competition between digital platforms, regardless of their size, to increase choice for consumers and to promote new opportunities for small businesses.

EU tax policy aims to ensure fairness and foster growth by harmonising taxation rules across member states, combatting fraud and adapting to global economic shifts. The Council is the sole legislator on EU tax matters.

Fighting tax fraud and avoidance is primarily the member states’ responsibility. Rules agreed at EU level promote cooperation on tax matters and help countries manage cross-border issues in order to ensure the functioning of the EU single market.

The digital transition is crucial for the EU's economic growth and strategic autonomy. The EU wants to ensure that Europe fully seizes the opportunities offered by the digital decade. 

The EU has developed strong laws to protect patents, industrial designs, copyrights as well as local agricultural, industrial and craft products.

EU rules ensure toys placed on the EU market are among the safest ones in the world.