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Know your rights

The Union recognises and respects the rights of the elderly to lead a life of dignity and independence and to participate in social and cultural life.

This right is enshrined in article 25 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 European Union is doing to protect your rights

Law

The European Union has since 2000 a directive banning – among other things – discrimination on the basis of age in employment and occupation.

Directive 2000/78/EC establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation

Funding

The European Commission supports EU countries and civil society in combating discrimination through the rights, equality and citizenship (REC) programme 2014-2020.

​The Commission financially supports civil society organisations promoting the right to fair treatment and working to address age discrimination, such as AGE Platform Europe

Documents

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