Fundamental Rights and the Rule of Law

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The EU is not only a common market; it is a union of common values that shape the European identity. These values are set out in the Treaty on the European Union and also include the rights, freedoms and principles laid out in the Charter of Fundamental Rights: the "indivisible, universal values of human dignity, freedom, equality and solidarity; [the Union] is based on the principles of democracy and the rule of law. It places the individual at the heart of its activities, by establishing the citizenship of the Union and by creating an area of freedom, security and justice."

The Charter brings together into a single text all the personal, civic, political, economic and social rights enjoyed by people within the EU and apply to the EU institutions and Member States when they implement EU law.

The EESC is very active in the promotion of fundamental rights, the rule of law and democracy, and especially in the fight against discrimination based on race, ethnic origin, disability or gender. In 2018, it established the Group on Fundamental Rights and the Rule of Law to further expand analysis of the situation across Europe and promote a constructive dialogue amongst all stakeholders.

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  • EESC Fundamental Rights and Rule of Law Group concludes a visit to Germany

    On 28-29 August 2025, the Fundamental Rights and Rule of Law (FRRL) Group of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) concluded a two-day visit to Berlin.

  • Photo exhibition on sustainability in construction inspires visitors

    On 2 July, the Civil Society Organisations’ Group of the European Economic and Social Committee opened the photo exhibition Giving form to the future at the Danish Society of Engineers (IDA) as part of its conference Building green and inclusive – Making our communities future-proof.

    Fundamental and Citizens Rights
    Housing
    Sustainable development
    Social Affairs

  • The future of housing in the EU must be greener and more inclusive

    Reimagining the design of cities, communities and housing is essential to face the current challenges. Civil society organisations have a key role to play in steering this transformation. Sustainability and the right to housing must be at the heart of future strategies. The EU could contribute to this by increasing European funding for affordable housing and supporting the social economy.

    Housing
    Social Affairs
    Fundamental and Citizens Rights
    Sustainable development

  • Speech by Séamus Boland on ‘Building green and inclusive – Making our communities future-proof’

    Conference of the EESC Civil Society Organisations' Group in the framework of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Copenhagen, Danish Society of Engineers (IDA), 2 July 2025

    Housing
    Fundamental and Citizens Rights
    Sustainable development
    Social Affairs

  • EESC Fundamental Rights and Rule of Law Group concludes a visit to Hungary

    On 23-24 June 2025, the Fundamental Rights and Rule of Law (FRRL) Group of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) concluded a two-day visit to Budapest.

  • EESC President and Fundamental Rights and the Rule of Law Group express deep concern about Hungary’s Proposed Bill “On Transparency in the Public Sphere”

    The President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and its Group on Fundamental Rights and the Rule of Law express deep concern over the recently introduced Hungarian draft law titled “On Transparency in the Public Sphere.” It is our understanding that this bill poses a significant threat to the operations of civil society organisations and independent media in Hungary.

  • The role of civil society organisations in ensuring the health security of children and young people within the EU

    The topic of the conference was the mental and physical condition of young Europeans and the role of civil society organisations in supporting it. The event was organised as part of the Polish presidency of the EU Council on the initiative of the Minister for Civil Society, Adriana Porowska, and the Civil Society Organisations' Group of the EESC.

    Fundamental and Citizens Rights
    Services of general interest
    Social Affairs

  • The economic dimension of the rule of law

    The EESC:

    • highlights that respecting and enforcing fundamental rights and the rule of law are crucial for mutual trust between Member States. For investment and trade within the internal market to function properly, all economic operators must follow the law and trust that public authorities will do the same. This respect for the rule of law is essential for economic activity and makes a location more appealing to businesses. Protectionist measures that favour domestic companies over those from other EU countries violate the principle of equal treatment;
    • calls for the addition of a fifth pillar to the European Commission’s Rule of Law Report to better reflect the economic aspects of the rule of law;
    • recommends improving existing tools for addressing internal market infringements and using more EU pilot procedures. It stresses that a strong and independent judiciary, well-resourced public services, and bodies for monitoring and reporting legal breaches are essential for ensuring effective legal protection and upholding the rule of law.

  • EESC Fundamental Rights and Rule of Law Group concludes a visit to Albania

    On 2-3 April 2025, the Fundamental Rights and Rule of Law (FRRL) Group of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) concluded a two-day visit to Tirana.

  • EESC Fundamental Rights and Rule of Law Group concludes a visit to Austria

    On 19-20 March 2025, the Fundamental Rights and Rule of Law (FRRL) Group of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) concluded a two-day visit to Vienna.

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