Fundamental Rights

Fundamental rights
Fundamental_rights.jpg © @ European Union

The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union sets out the basic rights that must be respected both by the European Union and the Member States when implementing EU law. The Charter was solemnly proclaimed by Parliament, the Council and the Commission in Nice in 2000. After being amended, it was proclaimed again in 2007.

On 1 December 2009, the Charter became legally binding. Article 6(1) of the Treaty on European Union now provides that '[t]he Union recognises the rights, freedoms and principles set out in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union [...], which shall have the same legal value as the Treaties'. The Charter, therefore, constitutes primary EU law; as such, it serves as a parameter for examining the validity of secondary EU legislation and national measures.
Commission annual reports on the application of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights

European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights

LIBE Hearing on on the situation of Fundamental Rights in the European Union