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EU Charter of Fundamental Rights - AI Search

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EU Charter of Fundamental Rights - AI Search

The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union enshrines in EU law the political, social and economic rights of EU citizens and residents.

The Charter was developed within the framework of the European Convention and solemnly proclaimed on 7 December 2000 by the European Parliament, the Council of Ministers, and the European Commission. However, its legal status at that time was uncertain, and it did not acquire full legal force until the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon on 1 December 2009.

The Charter forms part of the area of freedom, security and justice (AFSJ) policy domain of the EU. It applies to all the bodies of the European Union and Euratom which must act and legislate in accordance with its provisions, as the Court of Justice of the European Union (CURIA) will invalidate any EU legislation or ruling assessed as non-compliant with the Charter.

The EU member states are also bound by the Charter when engaged in implementation of the European Union law.

Basic Principles and Sources:

  • Status: Has the same legal force as the EU Treaties and complements, but does not replace, national legal systems.
  • Content: Covers a wide range of rights, including:
    • Dignity: Right to life, prohibition of torture, prohibition of slavery (Articles 2-5).
    • Freedoms: Freedom of thought, speech, assembly, right to education, data protection, freedom of movement, right to work (Articles 10-11, 14, 15, 8, 45).
    • Equality: Non-discrimination, equality between men and women, children's rights (Articles 21, 23, 24).
    • Solidarity: Social security, health protection, consumer protection (Article 34).
    • Citizenship: The right to vote and to be elected, the right to good governance.
    • Justice: The right to an effective trial, the presumption of innocence.
  • Application: Binding for EU institutions and Member States in implementing EU law.
  • Instrument of protection: It is the central instrument for the protection of rights in the EU and is actively used in the case-law of the Court of Justice of the EU.

Key dates:

  • 2000 - Solemn proclamation of the Charter.
  • 2009 - The entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, making the Charter legally binding.

For information: