Explainers

Europe faces a crisis driven by rising house prices and increasing housing costs. The EU is working towards a plan for more affordable housing.

The EU has the toughest data protection rules in the world. Protection of personal data is considered a fundamental right in the EU.

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

EU-wide rules on voting and candidacy rights give mobile EU citizens a stronger role in the democratic process.

The EU general data protection regulation (GDPR) governs how the personal data of individuals in the EU may be processed and transferred.

Media freedom and pluralism are a vital part of democracy and of the fundamental rights of EU citizens. Find out more about the work on this area.

The EU has made significant advances in gender equality through legislation, empowerment initiatives, and increased participation in the workforce.

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.

EU citizens are entitled to seek help from the embassy or consulate of any EU member state in a non-EU country if their own member state lacks diplomatic representation there.

The EU works to promote equality and prevent discrimination in society through its policies and initiatives.