Respecting and promoting fundamental rights

The European Union is founded on the concept that its citizens and peoples are resolved to share a future, based on common values. The principles of liberty, democracy and the respect for human rights, constitute the core part thereof. These principles and fundamental rights are guaranteed by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Their protection is essential in -light of the changes that societies seem to undergo as a consequence of the latest economic, scientific and technological developments. These require all relevant stakeholders to pay more attention to respecting and promoting fundamental rights; and to put the Charter of Fundamental Rights into practice.

BACKGROUND

Pursuant to Article 2 of the Treaty on the European Union, the EU is based on the values of human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. Since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union has the same legal value as the founding Treaties. By making it legally binding, the Lisbon Treaty puts the Charter of Fundamental Rights at the heart of European Union law. In its new status, the Charter celebrated its first anniversary on 1 December 2010.

The Charter Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union is a collection of personal, civic, political, economic and social rights to be respected by all EU institutions, and it also applies to Member States when they implement Union law. It brings together principles, freedoms and rights arranged under six chapters (Dignity, Freedoms, Equality, Solidarity, Citizens’ Rights, and Justice). The Charter does not apply in every situation. It can only be relied upon where the EU has a competence.

THE SIX MONTHS OF THE HUNGARIAN PRESIDENCY

The Hungarian Presidency considers the respect and promotion of fundamental rights essential. Hungary placed the “human dimension” in the focus of its drive for a “stronger Europe”, by putting in the foreground initiatives like “Union close to its citizens” or “cultural diversity”. The Presidency finds it essential to continue towards a value-based European Union, where citizens live without fearing infringements of their fundamental rights.

As regards the first half of 2011, the EU has already made significant progress towards a better promotion of fundamental rights, which aims at creating a European Union  that is closer to its citizens.

First of all, the regulation on the details of the European citizens’ initiative took effect, making it possible for citizens, from April 2012, to directly take part in EU decision-making.

In February, the Council reaffirmed its commitment to guarantee that all principles and rights enshrined in the Charter are respected, when the Council works on or adopts a legislative act. These tools have recently been complemented by methodological guidelines to help experts identify and deal with fundamental rights issues.

The European Commission adopted in March its first annual report on the 2010 application of the Charter of Fundamental Rights. The Hungarian Presidency considers that Member States need to react, in the form of Council conclusions, with special focus on the achievements made by the Council in this field. The Council conclusions need to focus on the period elapsed since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty.

The Hungarian Presidency is committed to make issues affecting the everyday lives of citizens subject of EU level discussions. This human aspect driven EU policy led the Presidency to devote an informal Council meeting to family-related and demographic questions; and to organise conferences and meetings for dealing with the subject of cultural diversity.

The Presidency also organised a fruitful debate on how to dismantle the obstacles regarding EU citizens’ rights.

The Presidency is committed to actively support the EU’s accession process to the European Convention on Human Rights.  

The Hungarian Presidency encourages the upcoming presidencies to keep the protection of fundamental rights on the agenda of the European Union.