Over the past year, Europe stood strong in an increasingly volatile world. Facing mounting security threats, weaponised economic dependencies and the consequences of conflicts beyond our borders, Europe continued to advance together by:
- signing major new trade agreements across three continents
- continuing its unwavering support for Ukraine
- creating new partnerships that deliver on Europe’s interests and values
- remaining a global leader on issues from climate action to global health
Europe has shown that another path is possible: one that combines strength with partnership and independence with openness.
Strength in diversity – Europe’s trade agenda
Europe’s prosperity depends on international trade. This is why, Europe turned outwards rather than inwards this past year to diversify its partnerships, strengthen supply chains and reduce economic dependencies. Europe also consolidated its position as a trusted long-term partner, offering resilience and predictability in uncertain times.
Countries that signed trade agreements with the EU
The EU already has 45 trading agreements covering 81 countries. These agreements save around 712,000 European businesses that export beyond EU’s borders an estimated €25 billion in customs duties each year.
Engagement with broader regional groupings such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership is also expanding Europe’s footprint in some of the world’s fastest-growing markets.
EU-US trade relationship
The transatlantic trade relationship remains the most important commercial relationship in the world. Every day, €4.9 billion worth of goods and services cross the Atlantic between the EU and the United States. Europe continues to work to ensure a stable relationship that protects the interests of European businesses and workers. It is also working closely with the United States and other partners on the Pax Silica initiative to strengthen coordination on critical AI supply chains, semiconductors, and advanced technologies.
Strengthening our economic security
Trade, investment and access to critical resources are increasingly being used as geopolitical tools. Europe has responded by building a comprehensive toolbox to address unfair trade practices, hostile investments, economic coercion, market distortion, and global overcapacity. In December 2025, the Commission adopted a communication on strengthening Europe’s economic security. With this, the EU is showing that it is prepared to use these instruments when its industries, workers and economic security are threatened.
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Critical raw materials and RESourceEU
Secure and reliable access to the raw materials that our economy needs
- 34 materials designed as critical raw materials; e.g. gallium, germanium, manganese and natural graphite.
- 47 strategic projects in the EU and 13 outside the EU selected for targeted support under the Critical Raw Materials Act.
- Agreements with third countries for more secure access to raw materials, including the first Clean Trade and Investment Partnership with South Africa and the trade agreement with Australia.
- Now, a RESourceEU action plan to reduce dependency for batteries, rare earths and defence raw materials by up to 50% by 2029.
- €3 billion mobilised over one year to support strategic projects.
- Setting up of a Critical Raw Materials Centre to promote diversification and resilience of value chains.
Countries that signed digital agreements with the EU
With more than 60% of global GDP linked to digital transactions, Europe is expanding digital trade partnerships. In February, the EU’s Digital Trade Agreement with Singapore entered into force, while a similar agreement was signed with the Republic of Korea in June and negotiations began with Canada in March. A separate agreement has been reached with Brazil to ensure safe data flows between us.
A strong and free Ukraine
Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine is now well into its fifth year, and Ukraine is not only resisting but creating the conditions to negotiate peace from a position of strength. That is first and foremost thanks to the courage and determination of the Ukrainian people. But it is also thanks to the unwavering support from Europe, which is Ukraine’s largest contributor.
EU military assistance
The EU is the largest military supporter of Ukraine – having mobilised €89.7 billion to strengthen their defence capabilities so far. The EU Military Assistance Mission has trained almost 97,000 members of Ukraine’s armed forces. And as part of the European Defence Industry Programme, Europe is helping to support Ukraine’s defence industrial base and integrate it with Europe’s.
In July 2026, the EU signed a new defence industrial partnership, marking a major step forward in the integration of our defence industries. It also launched an EU–Ukraine Drone Deal to deepen cooperation on drone and counter-drone technologies.
Sanctions
To date, the EU has approved 21 sanctions packages against Russia and its supporters. These sanctions are putting the Russian economy under strain and limiting its ability to wage war.
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21 Sanctions packages
Increasing the economic pressure on Russia
- Shadow fleet - Over 600 vessels listed as part of Russia's shadow fleet, subject to bans on port access and provision of services
- Russian assets - Russian Central Bank assets worth €210 billion immobilised
- Listings - Assets of over 2 900 individuals and entities immobilised. Targeted individuals are also subject to a travel ban
- Oil revenue - Ban on imports of seaborne oil crude and an oil price cap to lower Russia's income from energy exports. The review of the price cap has been suspended until July 2027
- Gas imports - Ban on imports of Russian LNG as of Januarys 2027 and imports of pipeline gas as of autumn 2027
- Finance, trade and propaganda - Bans on over 100 Russian banks, on over 20 Russian propaganda outlets and on the trade of multiple dual-use goods and critical technologies
Circumvention
Focus on combatting sanctions evasion and circumvention
Seeking justice for Ukraine and protecting those fleeing the war
The EU joined the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, which will be able to prosecute political and military leaders responsible for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. In May 2026, the Commission ratified, as a founding member, the convention establishing the International Claims Commission for Ukraine, which will evaluate and determine compensation for the victims of the war.
We must ensure that every Ukrainian child forcibly transferred to Russia is returned to their family. The EU has joined the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children and in May 2026, the Commission co-hosted a high-level event together with Ukraine and Canada to put the issue at the forefront of the world’s agenda.
EU Member States have also agreed to extend temporary protection for people fleeing the war until 4 March 2028.
Supporting Ukraine’s energy security
More than €4 billion of support for energy security has already been provided to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion. On 24 February 2026, President von der Leyen announced an additional €920 million package for winter 2026/2027, providing critical support for energy generation, grid resilience, energy efficiency, and heat supply.
- Repair
Restore power plants and deliver more equipment - covering 15% of Ukraine’s needs.
- Rebuild
Increase EU electricity exports to cover 12% of Ukraine’s needs.
- Restart
Boost decentralised power production, including delivery of solar panels to hospitals.
Enlargement – completing our Union
In a more dangerous and fragmented world, Europe’s security depends on the stability of its neighbourhood. This starts with our enlargement policy. Enlargement will always remain a merit-based process, and we are determined to give them our full support on the pathway to membership.
Ensuring stability in the wider neighbourhood and supporting peace in the Middle East
From North Africa to the South Caucasus, Europe is strengthening partnerships to bring stability and new economic opportunities.
Partnerships delivering on Europe’s interests and values
Europe is working towards independence in the global economy not through isolation but through partnership. It is building resilient relationships based on mutual interests, shared prosperity, and respect for sovereignty.
This page lists only a selection of accomplishments achieved during the past year.
For more, download the brochure (PDF).
This page was last updated on 11 September 2026