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.

An outline of a microphone beside a speech bubble with an upward-pointing arrow, representing public speaking or broadcasting aimed at growth or progress.

MEDIA

Read more
Two speech bubbles overlapping, with one containing a lightbulb icon representing an idea or innovation, and the other with text lines, symbolizing communication or brainstorming.

EXPERTS

Read more
A pin-drop location icon with a checkmark in a circle overlapping the lower right corner, suggesting verification or completion of a specific location-based task.

LOCAL AUTHORITIES

Read more
A central circle connected to multiple smaller circles, forming a network-like structure, symbolizing connectivity or community building.

YOUTH

Read more
0 +

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

0 +

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.
View EU Charter
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.
Logo of ALDA - European Association for Local Democracy
View website

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.

View website

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.

Logo of DRI - Democracy Reporting International
View website

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.

Logo of EYP - The European Youth Parliament
View website

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.

Logo of Verfassungsblog
View website

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.

  • Democracy Reporting International gGmbH
  • Elbestraße 28/29 12045 Berlin, Germany
  • +49 (0)30 2787730-0
  • +49 (0)30 2787730-10
  • info@democracy-reporting.org
  • www.democracy-reporting.org
European Union logo. To the right, blue text reads 'Funded by the European Union,'

Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EU CERV. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

  • © FOCUS Project

Cookie Settings | Privacy Policy

Scroll to Top
An outline of a microphone beside a speech bubble with an upward-pointing arrow, representing public speaking or broadcasting aimed at growth or progress.

EU citizens are protected in their rights by the EU Charter. However, they don’t always know the full extent of these rights, or when and how to assert them with authorities. The media can contribute to informing citizens about their rights protection. And this is where we come in; we build the capacity of journalists through media fellowships and cross-border newsrooms to share human-centered stories that highlight the meaning of the Charter for everyday lives. And throughout, we empower journalists to amplify voices often underrepresented in European media.

Two speech bubbles overlapping, with one containing a lightbulb icon representing an idea or innovation, and the other with text lines, symbolizing communication or brainstorming.

The EU Charter is a powerful legal tool, but its scope, impact and relevance for protecting people’s rights is underexplored. To build deeper understanding, we foster expert discussions on key challenges and opportunities surrounding the Charter. Our online symposia and rapid-response commentaries connect scholars and practitioners to create a robust debate on fundamental rights.

A pin-drop location icon with a checkmark in a circle overlapping the lower right corner, suggesting verification or completion of a specific location-based task.

Cities and regions are closest to people’s everyday lives, but many local authorities are unaware of the EU Charter or their responsibilities under it. Public officials need support to better understand how to protect people’s rights while providing services in their communities. Through training associations of municipalities, we enable local governments to integrate the Charter into their daily work. These associations then share their knowledge with local authorities , improving local governance and ensuring EU rights are upheld where it matters most.

A central circle connected to multiple smaller circles, forming a network-like structure, symbolizing connectivity or community building.

Young people are the advocates for a better future for us all. To be an active citizen means to be knowledgeable about your own and others’ rights and how to defend them against persecution. Our cross-border youth labs and outreach activities empower young people to engage with and fight for Charter rights. This is about building the next generation of rights advocates and ensuring youth perspectives shape Europe’s future.