Explainers

At the March 2026 European Council, EU leaders agreed on an agenda of concrete measures with ambitious deadlines to strengthen the EU's competitiveness, resilience and strategic autonomy. 

Decisions and regulations on sanctions are adopted by the Council of the EU by unanimity. EU sanctions apply within the jurisdiction of the EU.

The EU and its member states have stood with Ukraine and its people since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion. Together, they are Ukraine's biggest provider of financial, economic, military and humanitarian support.

The EU is Ukraine's largest trading partner and its largest investor. Since the start of Russia's war of aggression, the EU has supported Ukraine's economy, including through targeted trade measures.

Together, the EU and its 27 member states are Ukraine's biggest provider of financial assistance. The goal is to finance the country's immediate needs and support its recovery and reconstruction in the long term.

The EU's migration and asylum policy aims to manage migration effectively, ensure fair responsibility-sharing between member states and protect the rights of people seeking international protection.

The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming and fight climate change. All EU countries have ratified the agreement.

Find out about irregular arrivals in the EU, the main migratory routes, key figures and how the EU works with partner countries to manage migration.

EU countries are working to fight climate change and achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

The Common Security and Defence Policy enables the EU to deploy civilian and military missions and operations outside the EU, drawing on the operational capabilities of EU member states.