Explainers

The EU is committed to improving ocean health, driving economic growth related to its seas, and supporting people living along coastal areas and on islands.

The Western Balkans is of strategic importance to the EU and the EU is the regions' largest investor, trading partner and donor.

The European Central Bank (ECB) executive board is appointed by the European Council in euro area composition by reinforced qualified majority.

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

The EU has imposed sanctions against individuals, groups and entities involved in terrorist acts, including ISIL/Da'esh, Al-Qaida, Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

The EU is working to build a more sustainable and competitive tourism sector in line with EU objectives, including the green and digital transitions, as well as those of enhanced innovation, social cohesion, and safeguarding cultural heritage.

EU rules on reinforcing democracy help promote free and fair elections, increase transparency in political advertising and strengthen electoral rights.

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.

The EU promotes sustainable and eco-friendly practices in food systems to protect the environment and people’s health while improving the food sector’s resilience.