Fundamental Rights
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.
EP resolutions on the Situation of Fundamental Rights in the EU
EP studies on the Situation of Fundamental Rights in the EU
- The interpretation of Article 51 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights: the dilemma of stricter or broader application of the Charter to national measures - February 2016
- The European Social Charter in the context of implementation of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights - January 2016
- Implementation of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and its Impact on EU Home Affairs Agencies (Frontex, Europol and the European Asylum Support Office) - August 2011
- The Evolution of Fundamental Rights Charters and Case Law - A Comparison of the United Nations, Council of Europe and European Union Systems of Human Rights Protection - February 2011