Explainers

In an era of growing instability, the EU is acting with determination to strengthen its competitiveness, ensuring prosperity and security for its citizens.

Find out how the new rules on critical raw materials will enable the EU to diversify its sources of imports and increase extraction, processing and recycling in member states.

Water is a limited resource. EU legislation protects water resources and ecosystems, and makes sure that drinking and bathing water is clean.

Soils are essential for the key services that nature offers, such as food and clean water. Ensuring soils are healthy is necessary for human health and well-being.

Tackling plastic waste is crucial in order for the EU to reduce pollution and protect the environment and human health. EU measures aim to develop a circular plastics economy.

The EU has created incentives for producers and consumers to make repairing products easier and more attractive, in order to reduce waste and promote more sustainable business models.

Wasting food puts unnecessary pressure on natural resources and affects food security. EU rules aim to prevent and reduce food loss and food waste.

Waste is a hazard for the environment and human health. The EU works to prevent and better manage waste, and foster a more circular economy.

The EU has set rules for businesses to prove the green claims they make about sustainability are founded, and to prevent consumers from being victims of greenwashing and unfair commercial practices.

The Earth's resources are not infinite. The circular economy makes the use of products and materials more sustainable and offers the EU an opportunity to become more competitive.