Explainers

Child sexual abuse is a widespread and often hidden crime. The EU is strengthening its rules to better prevent abuse online and offline, bring perpetrators to justice and improve protection and support for victims.

EU sanctions can target governments of non-EU countries, entities and individuals. The EU can impose restrictive measures in order to implement UN resolutions, to reinforce UN sanctions or on its own initiative.

The EU has actively supported international efforts to achieve peace and stability in Sudan since the beginning of the war in 2023. The EU and its member states together are the biggest donor of humanitarian aid to Sudan.

The EU has imposed massive and unprecedented sanctions against individuals and entities involved in Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. 

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.

EU member states' defence expenditure sharply increased between 2021 and 2026. The EU has taken a number of initiatives to complement and amplify member states’ individual efforts, and to boost competitiveness.

Common accessibility standards make sure products and services in the EU are easier to use, in particular for older people and for people with disabilities.

Eurodac is a modern EU database that uses biometric and identity data to improve the identification of asylum seekers and irregular migrants and support asylum and migration management in the EU.

EU rules on resettlement and humanitarian admission strengthen safe and legal pathways for people in need of international protection. They also support partnerships with refugee-hosting countries and establish a common EU framework.

The page presents the latest data about air pollution in Europe, as well as facts about how pollution affects human health and the environment.