Today, the European Commission has published its Report on the application of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights in 2015. The report gives an overview of how fundamental rights have been applied across a range of EU policies and in Member States. This year’s report includes a special focus on the first Annual Colloquium on Fundamental Rights which took place in October 2015. The Commission has also today published a public consultation that will feed into discussions at the next second Colloquium that will be held in Brussels on 17-18 November.
First Vice-President Frans Timmermans said: “Fundamental rights are the foundation of our European Union and our communities. In recent times, they have come under pressure because of a rise of intolerance, xenophobia and hate speech. In light of these challenges, it is vital that we uphold democracy, fundamental rights and the rule of law. The rights enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights play a pivotal role in this respect. We must continue to work to make sure that they are a reality for everyone across Europe.”
EU Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender equality, Věra Jourová underlines:“If we want to truly achieve an area of freedom, security and justice, we need to actively promote our fundamental rights and raise the level of actual protection throughout the EU. This year the EU has taken concrete steps to strengthen fundamental rights, for instance by finalising the data protection reform and new rules on safeguards for children in criminal proceedings and by stepping up the fight against incitement to hatred. Fundamental rights exist not only on paper but must be delivered in practice. Our citizens demand it.”
