Explainers

Primary law consists of the EU treaties, which are the foundation of the EU. Secondary law is based on the treaties and includes all legislative acts adopted by the EU institutions as well as delegated acts and implementing acts.

The powers to act ('competences') are divided between the EU and its member states. In some areas only the EU may act, in others competences are either shared or supporting.

The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) has the power to investigate, prosecute and bring to judgment crimes against the EU budget.

The EU and Canada are longstanding strategic partners sharing common values such as democracy, commitment to the rules-based international order as well as free and fair trade.

The European Union and New Zealand have been linked by a free trade agreement since 1 May 2024. In 2025, trade in goods between the EU and New Zealand was worth over €8 billion.

The EU is committed to achieving a low-carbon, resource-efficient, and sustainable economy. Together with its member states, the EU is the biggest provider of climate finance in the world.

How does the EU contribute to fighting climate change globally? The EU and its countries are the biggest providers of climate finance in the world.

The EU's common agricultural policy (CAP) ensures food security, encourages sustainable farming and supports rural areas.

The EU's AI act is the world's first law on artificial intelligence. It aims to ensure AI systems are safe, ethical and trustworthy.

The EU is preparing a new long-term budget for 2028 to 2034, setting out how nearly €2 trillion will be invested across the EU over the next seven years.