Explainers

Europe faces a crisis driven by rising house prices and increasing housing costs. The EU is working towards a plan for more affordable housing.

Horizon Europe is the EU's leading initiative for research and development. It fuels EU's scientific and technological excellence, boosts competitiveness and creates jobs.

The EU wants to strengthen its energy infrastructure and cross-border interconnections to increase competitiveness and achieve its climate goals.

EU legislation sets minimum standards for health and safety at work, and protects workers against exposure to dangerous substances, such as asbestos.

The EU and the US have the biggest bilateral trade and investment relationship in the world. In 2024, transatlantic trade in goods and services reached over €1.68 trillion

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. 

The EU has set rules to guarantee the protection of posted workers while also preserving the freedom to provide cross-border services.

The EU is reforming its customs union to make procedures more efficient, strengthen security measures and improve risk management across member states.

Air pollution is the biggest environmental health risk in Europe. New EU rules will significantly improve air quality and reduce pollution-related deaths.

The EU-NATO strategic partnership is crucial to maintaining security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area, and to protecting citizens in Europe and beyond.