Explainers

Find out how the European Council was created and how it has developed into the strategic EU institution it is today.

The European Peace Facility (EPF) is an instrument aimed at enhancing the EU's ability to prevent conflicts, build and preserve peace and strengthen international security and stability.

Removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is crucial for fighting climate change. EU rules establish a system for certifying carbon removal activities.

The EU is encouraging member states to update and expand the existing legislation on smoke and aerosol-free environments. 

Digitalisation brings opportunities, but also cyberthreats. To counter these, the EU has developed a cybersecurity strategy and has launched initiatives to strengthen security and resilience.

Cybercrime incurs great costs to society, companies and individuals. The EU is therefore working to combat criminal activity and support victims.

The EU and its member states work together to prevent and combat violence against women and girls, protect victims and punish offenders.

The newly-named internal market emergency and resilience act (IMERA), formerly known as the single market emergency instrument (SMEI), is designed to ensure that the EU is better prepared for and more resilient to future crises.

The EU's annual budget lays down all of the European Union's expenditure and revenue for one year. It provides for the funding of EU policies and programmes in line with the EU's political priorities and legal obligations.

This infographic shows the main areas of the 2025 EU budget.