Explainers

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

The EU and China are among the biggest trading partners in the world.

EU rules on screening foreign investment enable member states to control foreign investments in the EU and address any risks to security or public order. This is done in cooperation with other member states and the Commission.

The EU customs union creates a single tariff area for all goods imported from outside the EU, allowing the goods to move freely between member states without customs.

The EU is reforming its customs union to make procedures more efficient, strengthen security measures and improve risk management across member states.

The European Union is the world's largest trade bloc in terms of goods and services combined, accounting in 2025 for an estimated 15.9% of world trade.

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.

The EU is Ukraine's largest trading partner and its largest investor. Since the start of Russia's war of aggression, the EU has supported Ukraine's economy, including through targeted trade measures.

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.

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.