Explainers

The European Research Area aims to create a single EU market for research, innovation and technology. It encourages the free circulation of researchers and knowledge, and helps align national research policies and programmes.

The Digital Services Act (DSA) is the world’s first digital regulation that makes digital companies across the EU accountable for the content posted on their platforms.

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

The protection of intellectual property rights (IPR) is crucial to foster investment in research and development, while promoting creativity and fair competition.

EU quality schemes safeguard the heritage of Europe's agricultural products. They make quality products easily recognisable for consumers and offer market opportunities to producers, including ones outside the EU.

The EU's AI act is the world's first law on artificial intelligence. It aims to ensure AI systems are safe, ethical and trustworthy.

The EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes is part of the EU’s work to fight tax evasion and avoidance. It is composed of countries which have failed to fulfil their commitments to comply with tax good governance criteria within a specific timeframe, and countries which have refused to do so.

Artificial intelligence is transforming society and the economy, bringing benefits, but also risks. The EU and its member states aim to ensure AI is human-centric and trustworthy.

The package proposes measures to make EU clearing services more resilient, harmonise corporate insolvency rules and lower administrative burdens for companies.

EU ecodesign rules make products placed on the EU market more environmentally sustainable, energy-efficient, durable and circular.