Solvency 2 is a European Union directive that harmonizes insurance regulation and supervision across the EU. It is based on three pillars: Pillar 1 sets capital requirements, Pillar 2 focuses on governance and risk management, and Pillar 3 covers disclosure and transparency. Key aspects of Solvency 2 include requiring insurance companies to hold more capital reserves to reduce the risk of insolvency, calculate technical provisions to cover future claims costs, and conduct an own risk and solvency assessment. The directive is scheduled to be implemented across the EU by October 2012.