Empowering Citizens, Enhancing Rights

Building Capacity on the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights

Empowering Citizens, Enhancing Rights

Building Capacity on the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights

A diverse group of people holding protest signs with messages advocating for various social issues. Signs include slogans like "Girl Power," "Equality," "Trans Rights Now," "Rise for Climate," "Justice 4 All," "Protest is a Human Right," and "Action Now."

About The Project

Our project is dedicated to increasing awareness of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and strengthening its application at all levels. Through a diverse set of activities ranging from media training and expert debates to local authorities support and youth empowerment, we aim to make the Charter a living instrument in daily life.

This project is running for 2 years from 2024-2026, with generous support of EU CERV programme. Powered by a group of 5 organisations and coordinated by Democracy Reporting International.

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LOCAL AUTHORITIES

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capacity building events, with 1800 participants from at least 22 EU members

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publications with a total reach
of over 120,000

ABOUT THE CHARTER

The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (CFREU) symbol/icon

The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights brings together the personal, civic, political, economic, and social rights protected across the European Union. In effect since 2009, it ensures that people enjoy a high level of rights protection when dealing with EU institutions or where member states apply EU law.

The Charter safeguards the key principles of dignity, freedom, equality, solidarity, citizens' rights, and justice. It is also notable for including a strong focus on social and economic freedoms, recognising modern challenges such as digital rights and environmental protection, and guaranteeing fair and effective public administration.

However, despite its importance, the awareness and use of the Charter remains low. Many citizens, public officials, and even legal professionals are unfamiliar with it, limiting its practical application and preventing it from reaching its full potential to protect citizens' rights.

KEY LINKS FOR MORE INFO

A person holds a tablet displaying the text of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, specifically articles related to environmental protection, consumer protection, and citizens' rights.

PARTNERS

We are proud to collaborate with a dynamic consortium of five organizations united in advancing rights and democracy. Each partner brings a distinct focus and expertise: Are We Europe champions the critical role of media, EYP empowers youth engagement, ALDA fosters innovation in local governance, and Verfassungsblog delves into constitutionalism. Together, we leverage these strengths led by Democracy Reporting International with coordination and content support.

ALDA - European Association for Local Democracy, is an association dedicated to the promotion of good governance and citizen participation at the local level in the European Union, its Neighbourhood and beyond.

Are We Europe is a non-profit media collective dedicated to innovating and diversifying the European media landscape. It supports emerging creative talent in Europe and promotes the creation of inclusive pan-European media initiatives.

DRI - Democracy Reporting International is committed to defending and improving democracy worldwide. It analyses threats to democracy; advocates for solutions during key legislative and political processes by bringing impartial analysis and policy recommendations to policymakers.

EYP - The European Youth Parliament is one of Europe’s largest youth platforms for civic education, intercultural encounters, and the exchange of ideas – run by young people, for young people.

Verfassungsblog is a global forum of scholarly debate at the interface of academy and society. It opens up debates in public law – internationally, interdisciplinary and open access. It is independent and community-led.