Explainers

New EU rules grant start-ups and SMEs access to supercomputers for artificial intelligence testing and development.

Member states must meet certain conditions known as 'convergence criteria' in order to adopt the euro. The Council decides whether a country can introduce the euro.

The economic and monetary union involves the coordination of member states’ economic and fiscal policies alongside a single monetary policy for member states that have introduced the euro. It contributes to economic stability and growth.

The euro is the second most important currency in the world. A strong international euro supports the EU's strategic autonomy and benefits consumers and businesses.

Adopting the euro is more than just changing currency. It offers tangible and lasting benefits for citizens, businesses and overall economic stability.

The EU is working on a strategy to further increase consumer protection and trust in order to encourage investment in European capital markets.

The EU aims to improve transport connections between countries by funding infrastructure, encouraging greener travel and making sure different systems work well together.

Find out more about e-commerce in the EU and how the Digital Services Act will impact the sector.

The digital euro would be a digital form of central bank money, issued by the European Central Bank, for retail use alongside physical cash.

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.