Explainers

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

The EU can impose sanctions on individuals and entities in response to human rights abuses and violations worldwide.

The EU has adopted sanctions targeting individuals and entities responsible for human rights abuses and violations in Russia.

The EU condemns human rights abuses in Iran, as well as Iran's nuclear proliferation activities and its military support for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. It has adopted a number of sanctions in this regard.

Human rights are at the core of the EU's external action. The European Union is committed to protecting and promoting human rights worldwide.

Following the military coup on 1 February 2021, and the subsequent military and police repression against peaceful demonstrators, the EU has drastically increased sanctions against Myanmar.

Many women in the EU still earn less than men for the same job. Increased pay transparency and stronger enforcement help close the gender pay gap.

The EU has imposed extensive sanctions against Belarus in response to human rights abuses, Belarus' support for Russia's war against Ukraine, and its hybrid attacks against the EU.

The EU is committed to multilateralism, with a strong and effective UN at its core. The Council of the EU adopts the EU’s priorities annually at the UN and the UN General Assembly.

Every EU citizen enjoys the same fundamental rights based on the values of equality, non-discrimination, human dignity, freedom and democracy. These rights are secured and set out in EU treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights.