Your fundamental rights in the EU - European Commission
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Your fundamental rights in the EU

The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union lays down everyone’s fundamental rights in the EU.

The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU

The EU is built on the founding values of fundamental rights, democracy, and the rule of law. These values are closely linked, as respect for fundamental rights is essential in democratic societies based on the rule of law.

The EU aims to protect and promote its founding values and fundamental rights both within and outside the EU. The protection and promotion of fundamental rights within the EU are based on the founding Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. They all have the same value as binding primary law. The Charter became legally binding on the EU with the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon in December 2009.

The Charter

The Charter of Fundamental Rights is the EU’s internal human rights agreement. It protects and promotes everyone’s fundamental rights within the EU. The Charter is a modern instrument, which is interpreted considering the societal changes, scientific and technological developments. It also includes so-called 'third generation' fundamental rights, such as the right to data protection, guarantees on bioethics, and the right to good administration. 

The Charter contains 50 fundamental rights and freedoms grouped under six titles: dignity, freedoms, equality, solidarity, citizens’ rights, and justice. These are followed by general provisions on their interpretation and application. 

 

Charter tutorial  

Explanations relating to the Charter of Fundamental Rights  

Charterpedia 

 

Role of FRA and EIGE

The EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) was established in 2007 to provide assistance and expertise on fundamental rights to EU institutions, bodies, offices and agencies, and to Member States when they implement EU law. The FRA was established under Council Regulation (EC) No 168/2007 (as amended by Council Regulation (EU) 2022/555 of 5 April 2022). The agency plans its research on the basis of a bi-annual single programming document. 

The FRA collects and publishes relevant, objective, reliable and comparable information and data on the situation of fundamental rights and promotes dialogue with civil society to raise awareness of fundamental rights and disseminate its work. 

The FRA also collects and publishes data and information on the Charter, including through the Charterpedia, an online information portal on fundamental rights. It has also made available online training courses on the Charter. 

The European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) assists the EU institutions and Member States in integrating the principle of gender equality into their policies and with combating gender-based discrimination. It delivers high quality research and information to support them in their efforts to end gender inequalities. EIGE was established under Regulation (EC) No 1922/2006. 

Additional resources

Examples of relevant policy areas:

Social media

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