Parliamentary question - E-009977/2012(ASW)Parliamentary question
E-009977/2012(ASW)

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

The Commission regrets to inform the Honorable Member that the matter in question is not within the Commission's remit. The explanations relating to the Charter of Fundamental Rights do not emanate from the Commission. The Commission therefore cannot claim authority for their interpretation. The Commission would recall the introductory part of these explanations[1] which state the following: ‘These explanations were originally prepared under the authority of the Praesidium of the Convention which drafted the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. They have been updated under the responsibility of the Praesidium of the European Convention, in the light of the drafting adjustments made to the text of the Charter by that Convention (notably to Articles 51 and 52) and of further developments of Union law. Although they do not as such have the status of law, they are a valuable tool of interpretation intended to clarify the provisions of the Charter.’

OJ C 320 E, 06/11/2013