Explainers

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.

EU rules set common criteria for granting asylum, or international protection, in the EU. They define who can qualify for refugee or subsidiary protection status and the rights of people granted protection.

EU relations with Armenia are based on the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement, in force since 2021. The EU is a key partner for Armenia’s reform agenda and the country’s largest donor.

EU rules provide exceptional measures, flexibility and solidarity when situations of crisis or force majeure put pressure on member states' migration and asylum systems.

The European Economic Area (EEA) extends the EU's single market to Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, enabling the free movement of goods, services, people and capital while fostering close political and economic cooperation.

Forests offer a wide range of benefits for human health and the environment, but are under increasing strain. Several EU initiatives and laws support forests, both within the European Union and worldwide.

The EU and the UN are committed to upholding the multilateral system that governs global relations in a way that benefits all. The EU and its member states together are the largest financial contributor to the UN system.