Explainers

The EU rules on nature protection aim to safeguard species and their habitats. Natura 2000 is the largest coordinated network of protected areas globally.

EU consumers can benefit from clear rules that protect and empower them when buying goods or services, whether online or in a shop.

What does holding the presidency of the Council of the EU mean?

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

The EU has imposed sanctions against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in response to its nuclear- and ballistic missile-related activities and its military support for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis, the EU has set out an unprecedented recovery plan, Next Generation EU, to kickstart the European economy and support the green and digital transitions, making Europe more resilient and fit for future challenges.

The EU is working on the revision of the energy taxation directive which is expected to play an important role in the EU’s efforts towards a greener future.

Discover facts and figures about the number of meetings, the participants and the conclusions adopted by the European Council between 1975 and 2024.

The use of forced labour in the manufacture of products remains a worldwide problem and requires common international regulations to solve it. The EU’s new legislation will effectively eliminate products made using forced labour from the Union market.

EU trade agreements shape trade relations with non-EU countries, aiming to create better trading opportunities and overcome barriers to trade.