Explainers

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.

The European climate law makes reaching the EU’s climate goal of reducing EU emissions by at least 55% by 2030 a legal obligation. EU countries have adopted new legislation to achieve this goal and make the EU climate-neutral by 2050.

The EU is committed to safeguarding forests and improving their ability to withstand climate and environmental challenges.

The EU promotes sustainable and eco-friendly practices in food systems to protect the environment and people’s health while improving the food sector’s resilience.

Organic farming produces food by means of natural methods that have a limited environmental impact. The EU wants 25% of its farmland to be organic by 2030 and has clear rules to support that goal.

Two agreements frame EU-Mercosur relations within a modernised and comprehensive partnership, covering political dialogue and trade cooperation. The EU has also introduced specific rules to protect its farming sector.

EU countries are working to fight climate change and achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

The EU’s common agricultural policy (CAP) ensures food security, encourages sustainable farming and supports rural areas.

Nature is our lifeline, yet it is deteriorating. The EU nature restoration law sets the first ever binding targets to restore ecosystems, habitats and species.

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.