Security 

While there is no EU army and defence remains exclusively a matter for member states, the EU has recently taken big steps to boost defence cooperation.

The EU's passport-free travel space, known as the Schengen area, is one of the most tangible achievements of European integration. Learn about it in our guide.

Europe has experienced a series of terror attacks since 2015. What is the EU doing to fight terrorism? Who are the terrorists? What is the current situation?

Stopping terrorism requires tackling issues such as foreign fighters, border controls and cutting off funds. Learn about the EU’s counter terrorism policies.

MEPs have approved plans to give the EU Border and Coast Guard Agency a standing corps of 10,000 border guards by 2027 to boost Europe's security.

It will be harder for terrorists to get hold of the ingredients needed to build home-made explosives under new rules adopted by MEPs.

Temporary internal border checks within the Schengen area have been in place for three years. MEPs are pushing for clearer conditions for their use as a measure of last resort.

Internet use and the number of connected devices continue to increase, but so do cyber threats. Parliament has approved new legislation to improve your security.

Parliament's terrorism committee is proposing a range of new measures to tackle the threat, from addressing radicalisation, to tracking terrorist financing and helping victims.

The Schengen Information System is being reinforced to deliver more security to Europeans. Discover the improvements in our infographics.

Freezing and confiscating criminal proceeds is one of the best ways to fight crime. On 4 October MEPs approved new rules to make it easier and faster across the EU.

MEPs have rules to prevent money laundering as well as tougher checks on cash flows, which help to step up the fight against crime and terrorism.