Explainers

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.

The EU helps countries prepare for and respond to disasters through the EU civil protection mechanism. It coordinates assistance for emergencies such as wildfires, floods, epidemics, earthquakes and human-induced disasters, in Europe and beyond.

Packaging waste is growing in the EU. New EU legislation aims to tackle this problem, harmonising rules across member states and boosting the circular economy.

The competitiveness compass provides a plan to allow Europe to regain its economic growth and prosperity.

The EU is working to create a safe, sustainable, and competitive air transport sector.

Discover what the EU is doing to make road transport more competitive, greener and safer.

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.

How will the EU become more energy efficient? The EU is setting new targets for energy efficiency and savings.

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.