Explainers

Eurodac is a modern EU database that uses biometric and identity data to improve the identification of asylum seekers and irregular migrants and support asylum and migration management in the EU.

EU rules on resettlement and humanitarian admission strengthen safe and legal pathways for people in need of international protection. They also support partnerships with refugee-hosting countries and establish a common EU framework.

The page presents the latest data about air pollution in Europe, as well as facts about how pollution affects human health and the environment.

Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the EU has taken a number of steps to help refugees fleeing the war, including through the EU temporary protection mechanism.

Following Brexit, the EU and the UK negotiated a set of agreements to guide and govern the future EU-UK relationship. These agreements protect citizens' rights while ensuring fair competition and continued cooperation.

The EU is increasing its defence spending through several initiatives and instruments within the EU budget.

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.

The Republic of Moldova applied for EU membership in March 2022 and was granted candidate status in June 2022. Accession negotiations were formally opened in June 2024. The EU and Moldova also cooperate in the context of the Eastern Partnership.

The EU and its member states stand united in their unwavering support for Ukraine. Accession negotiations with Ukraine were formally opened in June 2024. The EU and Ukraine also cooperate within the Eastern Partnership.

Albania applied for EU membership in April 2009 and was granted EU candidate status in June 2014. The EU held its first intergovernmental conference with Albania in July 2022. So far, all 33 negotiation chapters have been opened and three have been provisionally closed.