What are fundamental rights?
Fundamental rights, or human rights, express values that entitle individuals to expect a certain level of freedom and treatment.
The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union is the European Union's commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms. It summarises the rights of all people living in the European Union.
What does the European Union Treaty say about fundamental rights?
"The European Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. These values are common to the Member States in a society in which pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men prevail."
Article 2, Treaty of the European Union
Useful links
Human rights on EUROPA
Fundamental rights on the Commission's Justice and Home Affairs website









