Fundamental Rights Agency

Fundamental Rights Agency

The Committee welcomes the decision of the European Council to establish a European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights to enhance the Union principles and practices enshrined under Article 6 of TEU. It will create a mechanism for the monitoring of fundamental rights in the Union that could serve to improve the coordination of the fundamental rights policies pursued by the Member States. The Committee has a major concern that the proposal does not promote or support wider representation from organised civil society in the Management Board and the Fundamental Rights Forum of the new Agency.

The Agency should always include racism and xenophobia in the thematic areas of its activities within the Multiannual Framework.

The Committee has concerns about the Agency's independence, not only with respect to the EU institutions but also to the Member States.