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When does the Charter apply?

Information on the application of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights for citizens of EU countries.

When does the Charter apply

The provisions of the Charter are addressed to

  • the institutions and bodies of the EU in all their actions
  • national authorities when they are implementing EU law

For example, the Charter applies when EU countries adopt or apply a national law implementing an EU directive or when their authorities apply an EU regulation directly.

In cases where the Charter does not apply, the protection of fundamental rights is guaranteed under the constitutions or constitutional traditions of EU countries and international conventions they have ratified.

The Charter does not extend the scope of the EU to matters not part of its normal remit.

More on when the Charter applies and how to report a breach of your rights here.