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This fact sheet explains the institutional framework of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), its legal basis and its role in coordinating economic and fiscal policies in the EU. It describes the main institutions, namely the European Central Bank (ECB), the European System of Central Banks (ESCB), the Economic and Financial Committee, the Eurogroup and the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (Ecofin), as well as mechanisms for economic governance, monetary policy and financial stability in the ...

One of the EU’s key objectives is reduce social and economic disparities between regions and ensure balanced development across the EU. It does this through cohesion policy, its regional investment policy for promoting economic, social and territorial cohesion. This fact sheet explains cohesion policy and then presents a brief history, the key funds, and the 2021-2027 objectives and budget allocations. It concludes by outlining how the European Parliament shapes and strengthens cohesion policy.

This fact sheet explains how the European Central Bank (ECB) and the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) – consisting of the ECB plus all EU national central banks – conduct monetary policy in the euro area. It sets out the legal basis and primary objective of price stability, describes the main policy instruments – from interest rates and open market operations to asset purchase programmes – and outlines how the ECB’s strategy has evolved, most recently with the June 2025 strategy review. It ...

This fact sheet explains how the EU provides financial assistance to Member States facing serious economic or financial difficulties, with the main goal being to preserve financial stability in the EU and the euro area. It describes the framework’s legal basis, objectives and main mechanisms created in response to crises, such as the European Stability Mechanism (ESM). It also explains how these mechanisms fit within EU economic governance and outlines Parliament’s role in oversight, transparency ...

This fact sheet explains the EU’s economic governance – the system of institutions and procedures established to achieve the EU’s goals of economic and social progress. It outlines its legal basis and history, including the improvements made in the wake of the financial crisis that began in 2008. It also details the European Parliament’s involvement in its development and scrutiny.

This fact sheet explains the role of the European System of Financial Supervision (ESFS) in ensuring consistent and coherent financial supervision across the EU. It explains how this system came to be, what bodies form part of it – namely the national supervisors, the three European supervisory authorities and the European Systemic Risk Board – and what type of supervision they carry out (micro- or macro-prudential). The fact sheet also explains Parliament’s role regarding the ESFS.

This fact sheet explains the role of the European Investment Bank (EIB) as the EU’s financing body, which is owned by the Member States. It looks at how it funds itself and what instruments it uses; its governance system and role as part of the EIB Group; and how it supports projects that promote EU objectives, such as climate action and regional development. The fact sheet also details how the EIB has responded to recent crises, namely COVID-19 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Simon Harris, Minister for Finance of Ireland, is participating in the ECON Committee in his capacity of President of the ECOFIN Council during the Irish Presidency (July - December 2026). According to Article 121 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, “Member States shall regard their economic policies as a matter of common concern and shall coordinate them within the Council”. This briefing provides an overview of the Irish Presidency's priorities in ECON-related matters, including ...

Recent crises have highlighted the importance of renewable energy sources and enhanced energy infrastructure for the European Union (EU) – both to meet its decarbonisation objectives and to enhance its energy security and sovereignty. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) has significantly boosted EU financial support available for investment and reform measures linked to clean energy. Overall, 26 Member States are investing around €54.2 billion (9.4 % of the ...

This study examines the growing financialisation of housing in the EU, focusing on the role of institutional investors and corporate landlords in rental housing markets. It identifies two forms of speculation: valuation-driven business models centred on asset appreciation and landlord practices that undermine tenants’ rights and housing security. While the Commission’s European Affordable Housing Plan recognises these challenges, the study argues that more action and EU-level coordination are needed ...