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Charter of Fundamental Rights

The Charter of Fundamental Rights sets out those fundamental rights that must be respected both by the European Union (EU) and the EU countries when implementing EU law.

Broader than the European Convention on Human Rights, it establishes principles and rights for EU citizens and residents in the EU that relate to dignity, liberty, equality, solidarity, citizenship and justice. In addition to protecting civil and political rights, it covers workers’ social rights, data protection, bioethics and the right to good administration.

The charter is legally binding. In accordance with Article 6 of the Treaty on European Union, it has the same legal value as the EU treaties. It applies to EU institutions in all their actions and to EU countries when they are implementing EU law. It does not extend the competences of the EU beyond those already granted in the treaties.

The EU Agency for Fundamental Rights was established to provide EU institutions and countries with assistance and expertise in the field of fundamental rights.

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