Burgerschap

The sixth EESC FRRL Group's annual conference will provide a platform for debate of the annual EC rule of law report, as well as of the recent country visits carried out by the FRRL Group.

EESC Members, civil society representatives (including social partners), EU institutions and other stakeholders will discuss the main recent developments in the EU in the area of fundamental rights and the rule of law, as well as the EU response notably through the rule of law review mechanism.

The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, proclaimed 25 years ago in December 2000, plays a crucial role in upholding fundamental rights, democracy, and the rule of law across the Member States. To facilitate the effective implementation and application of the Charter, in 2020, the European Commission presented its “Strategy to strengthen the application of the Charter of Fundamental Rights in the EU”. This year, the Commission is undertaking a mid-term review of its strategy to strengthen the application of the Charter.

The fifth EESC FRRL Group's annual conference will provide a platform for debate of the fifth EC rule of law report, and the final report of the 2018-2024 first cycle of FRRL Group country visits to all EU Member States (as well as the report on the 2023-2024 visits).

The hearing will gather stakeholders from civil society and institutions to look into the various forms of violence against women and girls that are not covered by 2024 Directive on gender violence. The objective will be to provide a perspective that truly contemplates a common comprehensive policy against gender-based violence, offering a comprehensive and effective strategy against this violation of human rights within the framework of the Union. Reflexions will feed into an Own-Initiative Opinion by the EESC FRRL Group.

The seminar will provide an opportunity for an exchange between legal practitioners, national authorities (including Charter focal points), civil society organisations, human rights defenders, politicians and other stakeholders on how the effectiveness of legal protection and access to justice – whether through judicial or non-judicial remedies - can be effectively ensured and further improved across the EU.

The EESC FRRL Group's annual conference will provide a platform for debate of the European Commission's fourth Report on the Rule of Law (July 2023).

Civil Society Organisations active on fundamental rights, the rule of law, and democracy are confronted with increasing difficulties, from regulatory challenges to financial constraints and concerted attacks on their work and credibility. At the hearing, the EESC intends to engage with CSOs and other relevant stakeholders to identify the main issues they face and propose ways of improving support. The hearing will feed into the opinion, which will have a particular focus on EU funding.