Explainers

Better regulation is a system of actions, decision-making processes, commitments and safeguards that the EU has set up to ensure that the quality of EU legislation is constantly improving so that it can respond better to the needs of its citizens and businesses.

The EU and its member states are working together to develop a better connected, safe and sustainable railway network.

The EU and China are among the biggest trading partners in the world.

The EU is Türkiye’s top trading partner.

The EU's industrial policy aims to strengthen the competitiveness of EU industry and to promote a more sustainable, resilient and digitalised economy that creates jobs.

EU rules on screening foreign investment enable member states to control foreign investments in the EU and address any risks to security or public order. This is done in cooperation with other member states and the Commission.

The EU customs union creates a single tariff area for all goods imported from outside the EU, allowing the goods to move freely between member states without customs.

The EU is reforming its customs union to make procedures more efficient, strengthen security measures and improve risk management across member states.

The European Union is the world's largest trade bloc in terms of goods and services combined, accounting in 2025 for an estimated 15.9% of world trade.

The EU helps countries prepare for and respond to disasters through the EU civil protection mechanism. It coordinates assistance for emergencies such as wildfires, floods, epidemics, earthquakes and human-induced disasters, in Europe and beyond.