These handbooks present EU legislation and case law in an accessible way. FRA has covered the following topics:
FRA also holds annual flagship fundamental rights conferences. These conferences bring together 300–400 key stakeholders, ranging from EU to national and local institutions, civil society organisations and practitioners, to discuss specific issues. For example: fundamental rights and migration to the EU (2014); hate crime (2013); access to justice in times of austerity (2012); fundamental rights of irregular migrants (2011); and rights of the child (2010). FRA has also brought together people from all walks of life for its innovative, forward-looking Fundamental Rights Forum. The recurring event connects practitioners, grassroots workers, thinkers and high-level decision makers in an inclusive and open platform where burning fundamental rights issues are discussed.
FRA maintains close links with relevant institutions and organisations at all levels:
FRA organises smaller meetings with governmental experts and other stakeholders to support the follow-up of its research findings. These meetings pool knowledge and highlight promising practices that could help address specific fundamental rights challenges.
FRA engages in structured dialogue with civil society through the Fundamental Rights Platform (FRP). The FRP is the agency’s channel for cooperation and information exchange with almost 400 civil society organisations, working on numerous fundamental rights issues across the EU. The platform brings together a diverse group of actors on the European, national and local levels. It is a unique forum that allows for a truly European debate on fundamental rights. The platform meets once a year.
A five-year Multi-annual Framework defines the nine thematic areas of FRA’s work:
These areas frame the agency's various projects.
The European Parliament, the Council of the EU and the European Commission can request research or an opinion on a specific topic outside the agency’s work programme, including in the course of legislative procedures. Member States can request comparative data and information from FRA to inform national policy developments.
EU and national institutions often refer to FRA data, opinions and reports; such as:
“The reports that provide comparative and reliable data covering all Member States are very much appreciated by EU institutions. These types of reports compare the factual situation in different Member States and support policy-making on the EU level.” (FRA’s independent external evaluation 2012)
FRA’s Director guides and manages the agency. The Management Board is responsible for defining the agency’s work programme, approving its budget and monitoring its work. The Board comprises independent experts, one appointed by each Member State, two European Commission representatives and one independent expert appointed by the Council of Europe. The agency also has a Scientific Committee of external experts, which guarantees the quality of its work.
FRA facts Director: Michael O’Flaherty Established: 2007 Location: Vienna, Austria Staff: 105 plus seconded national experts and interns Budget: €21.2m FRA costs each European taxpayer €0.04 each year 73% of budget spent on operational activities
