Putting the Charter of Fundamental Rights into practice

SUMMARY OF:

Commission communication — Strategy to strengthen the application of the Charter of Fundamental Rights (2020)

Commission communication — Strategy for the effective implementation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights (2010)

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE STRATEGY?

The European Commission’s 2020 strategy aims to make the European Union (EU) Charter of Fundamental Rights a reality for all.

It calls for a renewed commitment to ensure that EU institutions and EU Member States apply the Charter to its full potential. It builds upon the 2010 strategy.

KEY POINTS

The Commission’s 2020 strategy focuses on four priorities.

Ensuring effective application of the Charter by the Member States

The Charter is binding on Member States when they implement EU law. The Commission will work closely with Member States and support them in implementing EU law effectively, and in fully respecting the Charter. Member States are asked to nominate a Charter focal point to facilitate coordination and information-sharing. From 2021, the Commission will report annually on the Charter, looking more closely at the application of the Charter in the Member States in specific areas governed by EU law.

Empowering civil society organisations, rights defenders and justice practitioners

Civil society organisations and rights defenders are vital for a healthy democracy and for making fundamental rights a reality in people's lives. They are facing increasing challenges.

The Commission will closely monitor and take action against national measures affecting the activities of civil society that are contrary to EU law. Some Member States still do not have fully functioning national human rights institutions, which are important links between government and civil society. Member States are asked to set up such institutions and to ensure that they have the means to work in full independence. The Commission will also promote Charter-related training for judges, other justice practitioners and rights defenders.

Fostering the use of the Charter as a compass for EU institutions

EU institutions must comply with the Charter in all their actions. The Commission will boost its internal capacity on Charter compliance including through e-learning, updated guidance for staff and training plans. The Commission stands ready to support the European Parliament and the Council to ensure that they apply the Charter effectively in their work.

Strengthening people’s awareness of their rights under the Charter

A 2019 Eurobarometer survey showed only 42% of respondents had heard of the Charter and no more than 12% really know what it is. However, 6 out of 10 respondents wanted to learn more about their rights and to find out whom to contact if the Charter is violated.

The Commission is tackling the awareness gap by:

• launching an information campaign to raise public awareness of people’s rights and how to use them;
• targeting the awareness of young people through the Erasmus+ programme and of children through a strategy on the rights of the child.

It asks Member States to develop initiatives to promote awareness and empower local bodies and individuals concerned.

Future action

The Commission will:

• present annual reports on the application of the Charter, focusing on a thematic area governed by EU law;
• in 2025, submit a report on the implementation of the strategy;
• in 2030, launch a stock-taking exercise with the key bodies and individuals concerned, to evaluate progress in awareness and use of the Charter.

BACKGROUND

• The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights has been legally binding since the Lisbon Treaty entered into force on 1 December 2009 (see summary). It embodies the EU’s values and reaffirms that the EU is built on fundamental rights, democracy and the rule of law. It enshrines the fundamental rights people enjoy in the EU. It is a modern and comprehensive instrument protecting and promoting people’s rights and freedoms in the light of changes in society, social progress and scientific and technological developments.
• The 2020 strategy is part of the Commission’s comprehensive approach to promote and protect the EU’s fundamental rights and values. It complements:
  • the European democracy action plan;
  • the first rule of law report.
• The EU Agency for Fundamental Rights provides data and information on fundamental rights issues in the Member States. This supports EU institutions and Member States in developing evidence-based policies.
• For further information, see:
  • Application of the Charter (European Commission)
  • EU Strategy to strengthen the application of the Charter (European Commission)
  • Incorporating fundamental rights into EU legislative process (European Commission).

MAIN DOCUMENTS

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — Strategy to strengthen the application of the Charter of Fundamental Rights in the EU (COM(2020) 711 final, 2.12.2020).

Communication from the Commission: Strategy for the effective implementation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights by the European Union (COM(2010) 573 final,19.10.2010).

RELATED DOCUMENTS

Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (OJ C 202, 7.6.2016, pp. 389–405).

Council Regulation (EC) No 168/2007 of 15 February 2007 establishing a European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (OJ L 53, 22.2.2007, pp. 1–14).

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — EU strategy on the rights of the child (COM(2021) 142 final, 24.3.2021).

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — On the European democracy action plan (COM(2020) 790 final, 3.12.2020).

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — 2020 Rule of Law Report — The rule of law situation in the European Union (COM(2020) 580 final, 30.9.2020).

Commission Staff Working Paper: Operational Guidance on taking account of Fundamental Rights in Commission Impact Assessments (SEC(2011) 567 final, 6.5.2011).

last update 09.12.2021