Skip to main content

Diplomatic and consular protection

Know your rights

Every citizen of the Union shall, in the territory of a third country in which the Member State of which he or she is a national is not represented, be entitled to protection by the diplomatic or consular authorities of any Member State, on the same conditions as the nationals of that Member State.

This right is enshrined in article 46 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights.

    What to do if your rights have been breached

    The authorities of EU countries are bound to comply with the Charter of Fundamental Rights only when implementing EU law. Fundamental rights are protected by your country's constitution.

    What the Commission is doing to protect your rights

    Law

    Directive 2015/637/EU of 20 April 2015 on the coordination and cooperation measures to facilitate consular protection for unrepresented citizens of the Union in third countries.

    Documents

    4 MAY 2017
    EU Charter of Fundamental Rights infograph - where to go in case of breach?
    English
    (289.74 KB - PDF)
    Download