Explainers

The EU has provided emergency assistance to Ukraine and its people since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. The EU and its 27 member states together are the biggest donor of humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

In the face of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the EU has taken a number of initiatives to support Ukraine’s energy security, as well as the country’s transport and connectivity sectors.

Coordination amongst EU countries ensures that EU citizens can transfer their social security rights when moving and working within Europe.

The EU chips act recognises the essential role microchips play in everything from consumer electronics to critical infrastructure and their important contribution to the EU's competitiveness.

The pharma package updates the current rules on medicines to better meet patient needs and support competition and innovation.

The European defence industry programme (EDIP) is one of the many initiatives the EU has taken to boost its defence readiness and enhance Europe's defence industry in light of an evolving security landscape.

The EU has adopted sanctions targeting individuals and entities responsible for human rights abuses and violations in Russia.

The EU has common rules for asylum procedures. Find out how asylum applications are handled, what rights and obligations asylum seekers have and how safe countries are considered.

EU rules set standards for the reception of asylum seekers, requiring member states to ensure adequate living conditions, protect applicants' rights and help reduce secondary movements.

EU screening rules ensure that people arriving at the EU's external borders are identified, undergo the necessary checks and are quickly referred to the appropriate asylum or return procedure.