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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. Acquired full legal force with 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:
    • Chapter I. Dignity (Articles 2-5): human dignity, the right to life, the right to the integrity of the person, prohibition of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, prohibition of slavery and forced labour .
    • Chapter II. Freedoms (Articles 6-20): the right to liberty and security, respect for private and family life, protection of personal data, the right to marry and found a family, freedom of thought, conscience and religion, freedom of expression and information, freedom of assembly and association, freedom of the arts and sciences, the right to education, freedom to choose an occupation and the right to engage in work, freedom to conduct a business, the right to property, the right to asylum, protection in the event of removal, expulsion or extradition.
    • Chapter III. Equality (Articles 21-26): equality before the law, non-discrimination, cultural, religious and linguistic diversity, equality between men and women, the rights of the child, the rights of the elderly, integration of persons with disabilities.
    • Chapter IV. Solidarity (Articles 27-38): workers’ right to information and consultation within the undertaking, the right of collective bargaining and action, the right of access to placement services, protection in the event of unjustified dismissal, fair and just working conditions, prohibition of child labour and protection of young people at work, family and professional life, social security and social assistance, healthcare, access to services of general economic interest, environmental protection, consumer protection.
    • Chapter V. Citizens' rights (Articles 39-46): the right to vote and stand as a candidate at elections to the European Parliament and at municipal elections, the right to good administration, the right of access to documents, European Ombudsman, the right to petition, freedom of movement and residence, diplomatic and consular protection .
    • Chapter VI. Justice (Articles 47-50): the right to an effective remedy and a fair trial, presumption of innocence and the right of defence, principles of legality and proportionality of criminal offences and penalties, the right not to be tried or punished twice in criminal proceedings for the same criminal offence .
    • Chapter VII. General provisions (Articles 51-54).
  • 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:

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