Explainers

The European Union stands united in supporting chemical disarmament and non-proliferation, and in the fight against impunity for the use of chemical weapons.

At ensuing European Council meetings between 2023 and 2026, EU leaders have adopted conclusions on the situation in the Middle East. The content of the page reflects the latest conclusions from 18-19 June 2026.

The EU and the US have the world's most extensive bilateral trade and investment relationship and work together to tackle global security challenges.

The EU is taking action to manage the rapid increase in the number of small parcels entering the single market, largely via e-commerce.

The EU is stepping up its efforts to remove the regulatory, infrastructure and capability barriers that hinder cross-border military movements in response to serious security threats and challenges. This will also help ramp up the EU's defence readiness.

Discover what the EU is doing to make road transport more competitive, greener and safer.

The EU is concerned about the situation in Venezuela and calls for full respect for human rights. It is providing humanitarian aid to help Venezuelans in need and has adopted sanctions to encourage democratic solutions.

The EU and its member states work together in a comprehensive and evidence-based way to reduce drug demand and related harm, protect public health and tackle drug trafficking and drug-related organised crime.

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.

To strengthen the EU's long-term competitiveness, simpler rules are key. The EU is on track to simplify legislation in several areas, while also protecting its economic, social and environmental goals.