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EU Charter of Fundamental Rights

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Title VI

Justice

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Article 47 - Right to an effective remedy and to a fair trial

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Article 47 - Right to an effective remedy and to a fair trial

Everyone whose rights and freedoms guaranteed by the law of the Union are violated has the right to an effective remedy before a tribunal in compliance with the conditions laid down in this Article.
Everyone is entitled to a fair and public hearing within a reasonable time by an independent and impartial tribunal previously established by law. Everyone shall have the possibility of being advised, defended and represented.
Legal aid shall be made available to those who lack sufficient resources in so far as such aid is necessary to ensure effective access to justice.

CHARTERPEDIA RESOURCES

Explanations

  • Text:

    The first paragraph is based on Article 13 of the ECHR:

    ‘Everyone whose rights and freedoms as set forth in this Convention are violated shall have an effective remedy before a national authority notwithstanding that the violation has been committed by persons acting in an official capacity.’

    However, in Union law the protection is more extensive since it guarantees the right to an effective remedy before a court. The Court of Justice enshrined that right in its judgment of 15 May 1986 as a general principle of Union law (Case 222/84 Johnston [1986] ECR 1651; see also judgment of 15 October 1987, Case 222/86 Heylens [1987] ECR 4097 and judgment of 3 December 1992, Case C-97/91 Borelli [1992] ECR I-6313). According to the Court, that general principle of Union law also applies to the Member States when they are implementing Union law. The inclusion of this precedent in the Charter has not been intended to change the system of judicial review laid down by the Treaties, and particularly the rules relating to admissibility for direct actions before the Court of Justice of the European Union. The European Convention has considered the Union's system of judicial review including the rules on admissibility, and confirmed them while amending them as to certain aspects, as reflected in Articles 251 to 281 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular in the fourth paragraph of Article 263. Article 47 applies to the institutions of the Union and of Member States when they are implementing Union law and does so for all rights guaranteed by Union law.

    The second paragraph corresponds to Article 6(1) of the ECHR which reads as follows:

    ‘In the determination of his civil rights and obligations or of any criminal charge against him, everyone is entitled to a fair and public hearing within a reasonable time by an independent and impartial tribunal established by law. Judgment shall be pronounced publicly but the press and public may be excluded from all or part of the trial in the interests of morals, public order or national security in a democratic society, where the interests of juveniles or the protection of the private life of the parties so require, or to the extent strictly necessary in the opinion of the court in special circumstances where publicity would prejudice the interests of justice.’

    In Union law, the right to a fair hearing is not confined to disputes relating to civil law rights and obligations. That is one of the consequences of the fact that the Union is a community based on the rule of law as stated by the Court in Case 294/83, ‘Les Verts’ v European Parliament (judgment of 23 April 1986, [1986] ECR 1339). Nevertheless, in all respects other than their scope, the guarantees afforded by the ECHR apply in a similar way to the Union.

    With regard to the third paragraph, it should be noted that in accordance with the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights, provision should be made for legal aid where the absence of such aid would make it impossible to ensure an effective remedy (ECHR judgment of 9 October 1979, Airey, Series A, Volume 32, p. 11). There is also a system of legal assistance for cases before the Court of Justice of the European Union.

    Source:
    Official Journal of the European Union C 303/17 - 14.12.2007
    Preamble - Explanations relating to the Charter of Fundamental Rights:
    These explanations were originally prepared under the authority of the Praesidium of the Convention which drafted the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Although they do not as such have the status of law, they are a valuable tool of interpretation intended to clarify the provisions of the Charter.

Case Law References

National Constitutional Law

50 results found

  • Sweden / Instrument of Government
    URL:
    Kungörelse (1974:152) om beslutad ny regeringsform
    Country:
    Sweden

    Chapter 2 - Fundamental rights and freedoms:

    Article 9 If a public authority other than a court of law has deprived an individual of his or her liberty on account of a criminal act or because he or she is suspected of having committed such an act, the individual shall be entitled to have the deprivation of liberty examined before a court of law without undue delay. This shall not, however, apply where the matter concerns the transfer to Sweden of responsibility for executing a penal sanction involving deprivation of liberty according to a sentence in another state. Also those who for reasons other than those specified in paragraph one, have been taken forcibly into custody, shall likewise be entitled to have the matter of custody examined before a court of law without undue delay (...) Also those who for reasons other than those specified in paragraph one, have been taken forcibly into custody, shall likewise be entitled to have the matter of custody examined before a court of law without undue delay. In such a case, examination before a tribunal shall be equated with examination before a court of law, provided the composition of the tribunal has been laid down in law and it is stipulated that the chair of the tribunal shall be currently, or shall have been previously, a permanent salaried judge (...);

    Article 10 No one may be sentenced to a penalty or penal sanction for an act which was not subject to a penal sanction at the time it was committed. Nor may anyone be sentenced to a penal sanction which is more severe than that which was in force when the act was committed. The provisions laid down here with respect to penal sanctions also apply to forfeiture and other special legal effects of crime (...);

    Article 11 No court of law may be established on account of an act already committed, or for a particular dispute or otherwise for a particular case. Legal proceedings shall be carried out fairly and within a reasonable period of time. Proceedings in courts of law shall be open to the public.

  • A Magyar Köztársaság Alkotmánya
    URL:
    A Magyar Köztársaság Alkotmánya
    Country:
    Hungary

    57 § (1) A Magyar Köztársaságban a bíróság előtt mindenki egyenlő, és mindenkinek joga van ahhoz, hogy az ellene emelt bármely vádat, vagy valamely perben a jogait és kötelességeit a törvény által felállított független és pártatlan bíróság igazságos és nyilvános tárgyaláson bírálja el.(…) (5) A Magyar Köztársaságban a törvényben meghatározottak szerint mindenki jogorvoslattal élhet az olyan bírósági, közigazgatási és más hatósági döntés ellen, amely a jogát vagy jogos érdekét sérti. A jogorvoslati jogot - a jogviták ésszerű időn belüli elbírálásának érdekében, azzal arányosan - a jelen lévő országgyűlési képviselők kétharmadának szavazatával elfogadott törvény korlátozhatja.70/K § Az alapvető jogok megsértése miatt keletkezett igények, továbbá a kötelességek teljesítésével kapcsolatban hozott állami döntések elleni kifogások bíróság előtt érvényesíthetők.

  • Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany
    URL:
    Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany
    Country:
    Germany

    Article 19 (...) (4) Should any person’s rights be violated by public authority, he may have recourse to the courts. If no other jurisdiction has been established, recourse shall be to the ordinary courts. The second sentence of paragraph (2) of Article 10 shall not be affected by this paragraph. Article 97 (1) Judges shall be independent and subject only to the law. (...) Article 101 (1) Extraordinary courts shall not be allowed. No one may be removed from the jurisdiction of his lawful judge. (2) Courts for particular fields of law may be established only by a law. Article 103 (1) In the courts every person shall be entitled to a hearing in accordance with law. (2) An act may be punished only if it was defined by a law as a criminal offence before the act was committed. (3) No person may be punished for the same act more than once under the general criminal laws.

  • Bundes-Verfassungsgesetz (B-VG)
    URL:
    Bundes-Verfassungsgesetz (B-VG)
    Country:
    Austria

    Artikel 83(2) Niemand darf seinem gesetzlichen Richter entzogen werden. Artikel 87(1) Die Richter sind in Ausübung ihres richterlichen Amtes unabhängig.(...) Article 90(1) Die Verhandlungen in Zivil- und Strafrechtssachen vor dem erkennenden Gericht sind mündlich und öffentlich. Ausnahmen bestimmt das Gesetz.

  • Constitution
    URL:
    Constitution
    Country:
    France

    Article 64 Le Président de la République est garant de l'indépendance de l'autorité judiciaire.(...) 

  • Constitution
    URL:
    Constitution
    Country:
    France

    Article 64 The President of the Republic shall be the guarantor of the independence of the
    Judicial Authority (...)

  • Constitution of Finland
    URL:
    Constitution of Finland
    Country:
    Finland

    Section 21 Protection under the law Everyone has the right to have his or her case dealt with appropriately and without undue delay by a legally competent court of law or other authority, as well as to have a decision pertaining to his or her rights or obligations reviewed by a court of law or other independent organ for the administration of justice. Provisions concerning the publicity of proceedings, the right to be heard, the right to receive a reasoned decision and the right of appeal, as well as the other guarantees of a fair trial and good governance shall be laid down by an Act.

  • Constitution of Ireland
    URL:
    Constitution of Ireland
    Country:
    Ireland

    Article 34.1. Justice shall be administered in courts established by law by judges appointed in the manner provided by this Constitution, and, save in such special and limited cases as may be prescribed by law, shall be administered in public.Article 38.1No person shall be tried on any criminal charge save in due course of law.

  • Constitution of Malta
    URL:
    Constitution of Malta
    Country:
    Malta

    Article 39(1) Whenever any person is charged with a criminal offence he shall, unless the charge is withdrawn, be afforded a fair hearing within a reasonable time by an independent and impartial court established by law.(2) Any court or other adjudicating authority prescribed by law for the determination of the existence or the extent of civil rights or obligations shall be independent and impartial; and, where proceedings for such a determination are instituted by any person before such a court or other adjudicating authority, the ease shall be given a fair hearing within a reasonable time.(3) Except with the agreement of all the parties thereto, all proceedings of every court and proceedings relating to the determination of the existence or the extent of a person's civil rights or obligations before any other adjudicating authority, including the announcement of the decision of the court or other authority, shall be held in public. (...)

  • Constitution of the Hellenic Republic
    URL:
    Constitution of the Hellenic Republic
    Country:
    Greece

    Article 8 No person shall be deprived of the judge assigned to him by law against his will. Judicial committees or extraordinary courts, under any name whatsoever, shall not be constituted. [...] .Article 20 (1) Every person shall be entitled to receive legal protection by the courts and may plead before them his views concerning his rights or interests, as specified by law. (2). The right of a person to a prior hearing also applies in any administrative action or measure adopted at the expense of his rights or interests. [...] .Article 87 (1). Justice shall be administered by courts composed of regular judges who shall enjoy functional and personal independence. (2). In the discharge of their duties, judges shall be subject only to the Constitution and the laws; in no case whatsoever shall they be obliged to comply with provisions enacted in violation of the Constitution. (3). Regular judges shall be inspected by judges of a superior rank, as well as by the Public Prosecutor and the Deputy Prosecutor of the Supreme Civil and Criminal Court; Public Prosecutors shall be inspected by the Supreme Civil and Criminal Court judges and Public Prosecutors of a superior rank, as specified by law [...] Article 97 (1). Felonies and political crimes shall be tried by mixed jury courts composed of ordinary judges and jurors, as specified by law. The judgments of these courts shall be subject to the legal remedies specified by law. (2). Felonies and political crimes which prior to the date of entry into force of this Constitution have, by constituent acts, parliamentary resolutions and special statutes, come under the jurisdiction of courts of appeal shall continue to be tried by the said courts, as long as a statute does not transfer them to the jurisdiction of mixed jury courts. Other felonies may be transferred to the jurisdiction of the same courts of appeal by statute. (3). Crimes of any degree committed through the press shall be under the jurisdiction of ordinary criminal courts, as specified by law. [...]

  • Constitution of the Italian Republic
    URL:
    Constitution of the Italian Republic
    Country:
    Italy

    Art. 24. Anyone may bring cases before a court of law in order to protect their rights under civil and administrative law. Defense is an inviolable right at every stage and instance of legal proceedings. The poor are entitled by law to proper means for action or defense in all courts. The law shall define the conditions and forms of reparation in case of judicial errors. Art. 25. No case may be removed from the court seized with it as established by law. No punishment may be inflicted except by virtue of a law in force at the time tehe offence was committed. No restriction may be placed on a person's liberty save for as provided by law. Art. 101. Justice is administered in the name of the people. Judges are subject only to the law. Art. 104. The Judiciary is a branch that is autonomous and independent of all other powers. (...) Art. 111. Jurisdiction is implemented through due process regulated by law. All court trials are conducted with adversary proceedings and the parties. are entitled to equal conditions before an impartial judge in third party position. The law provides for the reasonable duration of trials. In criminal law trials, the law provides that the alleged offender shall be
    promptly informed confidentially of the nature and reasons for the charges that are brought and shall have adequate time and conditions to prepare a
    defence. The defendant shall have the right to cross-examine or to have cross-examined before a judge the persons making accusations and to
    summon and examine persons for the defence in the same conditions as the prosecution, as well as the right to produce all other evidence in favour of
    the defence. The defendant is entitled to the assistance of an interpreter in the case that he or she does not speak or understand the language in which
    the court proceedings are conducted. In criminal law proceedings, the formation of evidence is based on the principle of adversary hearings. The guilt of the defendant cannot be established on the basis of statements by persons who, out of their own free choice, have always voluntarily avoided undergoing cross-examination by
    the defendant or the defence counsel. The law regulates the cases in which the formation of evidence does not occur in an adversary proceeding with the consent of the defendant or owing to reasons of ascertained objective impossibility or proven illicit conduct. All judicial decisions shall include a statement of reasons. Appeals to the Court of Cassation in cases of violations of the law are always allowed against sentences and against measures affecting personal freedom pronounced by ordinary and special courts. This rule can only be waived in cases of sentences by military tribunals in time of war. Appeals to the Court of Cassation against decisions of the Council of State
    and the Court of Accounts are permitted only for reasons of jurisdiction. Art. 112. The public prosecutor has the obligation to institute criminal proceedings. Art. 113. The judicial safeguarding of rights and legitimate interests before the bodies of ordinary or administrative justice is always permitted against acts of the public administration. Such judicial protection may not be excluded or limited to particular kinds of appeal or for particular categories of acts. The law determines which judicial bodies are empowered to annul acts of public administration in the cases and with the consequences provided for by the law itself.

  • Constitution of the Republic of Austria
    URL:
    Constitution of the Republic of Austria
    Country:
    Austria

    Article 83(2) No one may be deprived of his lawful judge. Article 87(1) Judges are independent in the exercise of their judicial office.(...) Article 90(1) Hearings in civil and criminal cases are oral and public. Exceptions are regulated by law.

  • Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria
    URL:
    Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria
    Country:
    Bulgaria

    Art. 30 [...] (4) Everyone shall be entitled to legal counsel from the moment of detention or from the moment of being charged.(5) Everyone shall be entitled to meet his legal counsel in private. The confidentiality of such communication shall be inviolable. Art. 31(1) Anyone charged with a crime shall be brought before a court within the time established by law. [...] (4) The rights of a defendant shall not be restricted beyond what is necessary for the purposes of a fair trial. Art. 45.
    All citizens shall have the right to lodge complaints, proposals and petitions with the state authorities.
    Art. 56Everyone shall have the right to legal defence whenever his rights or legitimate interests are violated or endangered. He shall have the right to be accompanied by legal counsel when appearing before an agency of the State. Art. 117.
    (1) The judiciary shall protect the rights and legitimate interests of all citizens, legal entities and the State. [...] Art. 120.
    (1) The courts shall supervise the legality of the acts and actions of the administrative bodies.
    (2) Citizens and legal entities shall be free to challange any administrative act which affects them, except those listed expressly by the laws. Art. 122(1) Citizens and legal entities shall have the right to legal counsel at all stages of a trial.(2) The procedure by which the right to legal counsel shall be practiced shall be established by law.

  • Constitution of the Republic of Croatia
    URL:
    Constitution of the Republic of Croatia
    Country:
    Croatia

    Article 18
    The right to appeal against individual legal decisions made in first-instance proceedings by courts or other authorized bodies shall be guaranteed.
    By way of exception, the right to appeal may be denied in cases specified by law if other legal protections are ensured.

    Article 26
    All citizens of the Republic of Croatia and aliens shall be equal before the courts,
    governmental agencies and other bodies vested with pubic authority.

    Article 28
    Everyone is presumed innocent and may not be held guilty of a criminal offence until such
    guilt is proven by a binding court judgment.

    Article 29
    Everyone shall be entitled have his or her rights and obligations, or suspicion or accusation of
    a criminal offence decided upon fairly before a legally established, independent and impartial
    court within a reasonable period.
    In the case of suspicion or accusation of a criminal offence, the suspected, accused or indicted
    person shall be entitled:
    – to be informed in detail and in a language he/she understands, within the shortest possible
    term, of the nature and grounds for the charges against him/her and the evidence incriminating
    him/her,
    – to have adequate time and opportunity to prepare his/her defence,
    – to defence counsel and unrestricted communication therewith, and to be informed of this
    right,
    – to mount his/her own defence independently or with the assistance of a defence counsel of
    his/her own choice, and if he/she lacks the resources to engage such counsel, to have free
    counsel provided under the conditions specified by law,
    – to be present at his/her trial insofar as he/she is at the disposal of the court,
    – to interrogate or to arrange for interrogation of witnesses for the prosecution and to demand
    the attendance and questioning of defence witnesses under the same conditions which apply to
    witnesses for the prosecution,
    – to assistance by an interpreter free of charge insofar as he/she does not understand the
    language used in the court.
    An admission of guilt may not be coerced from a suspected, accused or indicted individual.
    Evidence obtained illegally may not be admitted in court proceedings.
    Criminal proceedings may only be initiated before the court at the request of an authorized
    prosecutor.

  • Constitution of the Republic of Estonia
    URL:
    Constitution of the Republic of Estonia
    Country:
    Estonia

    Article 15. Everyone whose rights and freedoms have been violated has the right of recourse to the courts. Everyone is entitled to petition the court that hears his or her case to declare unconstitutional any law, other legislative instrument, administrative decision or measure which is relevant in the case.
    The courts observe the Constitution and declare unconstitutional any law, other legislative instrument, administrative decision or measure which violates any rights or freedoms provided in the Constitution or which otherwise contravenes the Constitution.
    Article 24. No one may be transferred, against his or her free will, from the jurisdiction of a court specified by law to the jurisdiction of another court.
    Everyone is entitled to attend any hearing held by a court in his or her case.
    Court hearings are public. The court may, in the cases and pursuant to a procedure provided by law, order a hearing or a part thereof to be held in camera to protect a state secret or a trade secret, public morality or the private and family life of individuals, or where the interests of a minor, a victim, or the administration of justice so require.
    Judgments are pronounced publicly, except in cases where the interests of a minor, a spouse, or a victim require otherwise.
    In accordance with the procedure provided by law, everyone is entitled to appeal a judgment rendered in his or her case to a higher court.

  • Constitution of the Republic of Hungary
    URL:
    Constitution of the Republic of Hungary
    Country:
    Hungary

    Article 57(1) In the Republic of Hungary everyone is equal before the law and has the right to have the accusations brought against him, as well as his rights and duties in legal proceedings, judged in a just, public trial by an independent and impartial court established by law. (…) (5) In the Republic of Hungary everyone may seek legal remedy, in accordance with the provisions of the law, to judicial, administrative or other official decisions, which infringe on his rights or justified interests. A law passed by a majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Members of Parliament present may impose restrictions on the right to legal remedy in the interest of, and in proportion with, adjudication of legal disputes within a reasonable period of time.Article 70/KClaims arising from infringement on fundamental rights, and objections to the decisions of public authorities regarding the fulfilment of duties may be brought before a court of law.

  • Constitution of the Republic of Latvia
    URL:
    Constitution of the Republic of Latvia
    Country:
    Latvia

    92. Everyone has the right to defend his or her rights and lawful interests in a fair court. Everyone shall be presumed innocent until his or her guilt has been established in accordance with law. Everyone, where his or her rights are violated without basis, has a right to commensurate compensation. Everyone has a right to the assistance of counsel.

  • Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania
    URL:
    Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania
    Country:
    Lithuania

    Article 20(...) No one may be arbitrarily detained or held arrested. No one may be deprived of his freedom otherwise than on the grounds and according to the procedures which have been established by law.A person detained in flagrante delicto must, within 48 hours, be brought before a court for the purpose of deciding, in the presence of the detainee, on the validity of the detention. If the court does not adopt a decision to arrest the person, the detainee shall be released immediately.Article 29All persons shall be equal before the law, the court, and other State institutions and officials.Article 30The person whose constitutional rights or freedoms are violated shall have the right to apply to court.Compensation for material and moral damage inflicted upon a person shall be established by law.Article 31(...) A person charged with the commission of a crime shall have the right to a public and fair hearing of his case by an independent and impartial court.Article 20. No one may be arbitrarily apprehended or detained. No one may be deprived of his liberty otherwise than on the grounds and according to the procedures established by law. A person apprehended in flagrante delicto must, within 48 hours, be brought before a court for the purpose of deciding, in the presence of this person, on the validity of the apprehension. If the court does not adopt a decision to detain the person, the apprehended person shall be released immediately.
    Article 30. A person whose constitutional rights or freedoms are violated shall have the right to apply to a court. Compensation for material and moral damage inflicted upon a person shall be established by law.
    Article 31. A person charged with committing a crime shall have the right to a public and fair hearing of his case by an independent and impartial court. A person suspected of committing a crime, as well as the accused, shall be guaranteed, from the moment of his apprehension or first interrogation, the right to defence, as well as the right to an advocate.
    Article 109. In the Republic of Lithuania, justice shall be administered only by courts. When administering justice, judges and courts shall be independent. When considering cases, judges shall obey only the law. Courts shall adopt decisions in the name of the Republic of Lithuania.

  • Constitution of the Republic of Poland
    URL:
    Constitution of the Republic of Poland
    Country:
    Poland

    Article 451. Everyone shall have the right to a fair and public hearing of his case, without undue delay, before a competent, impartial and independent court.2. Exceptions to the public nature of hearings may be made for reasons of morality, State security, public order or protection of the private life of a party, or other important private interest. Judgments shall be announced publicly.Article 771. Everyone shall have the right to compensation for any harm done to him by any action of an organ of public authority contrary to law.2. Statutes shall not bar the recourse by any person to the courts in pursuit of claims alleging infringement of freedoms or rights.

  • Constitution of the Republic of Poland
    URL:
    Constitution of the Republic of Poland
    Country:
    Poland

    Article 45.1. Everyone shall have the right to a fair and public hearing of his case, without undue delay, before a competent, impartial and independent court.2. Exceptions to the public nature of hearings may be made for reasons of morality, State security, public order or protection of the private life of a party, or other important private interest. Judgments shall be announced publicly.Article 77.1. Everyone shall have the right to compensation for any harm done to him by any action of an organ of public authority contrary to law.2. Statutes shall not bar the recourse by any person to the courts in pursuit of claims alleging infringement of freedoms or rights.

EU Law

35 results found

  • Regulation (EU) 2021/784 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2021 on addressing the dissemination of terrorist content online
    URL:
    Regulation (EU) 2021/784 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2021 on addressing the dissemination of terrorist content online

    Preamble 


    (20) It should be possible for the competent authority of the Member State where the hosting service provider has its main establishment or where its legal representative resides or is established to scrutinise the removal order issued by competent authorities of another Member State to determine whether it seriously or manifestly infringes this Regulation or the fundamental rights enshrined in the Charter. Both the content provider and the hosting service provider should have the right to request such scrutiny by the competent authority in the Member State where the hosting service provider has its main establishment or where its legal representative resides or is established. Where such a request is made, that competent authority should adopt a decision on whether the removal order comprises such an infringement. Where that decision finds such an infringement, the removal order should cease to have legal effects. The scrutiny should be carried out swiftly so as to ensure that erroneously removed or disabled content is reinstated as soon as possible.


    (23) When putting in place specific measures, hosting service providers should ensure that users’ right to freedom of expression and information as well as the freedom and pluralism of the media as protected under the Charter are preserved. In addition to any requirement laid down in the law, including legislation on the protection of personal data, hosting service providers should act with due diligence and implement safeguards, where appropriate, including human oversight and verifications, to avoid any unintended or erroneous decision leading to the removal of or disabling of access to content that is not terrorist content.

    Article 1: Subject matter and scope

    1. This Regulation lays down uniform rules to address the misuse of hosting services for the dissemination to the public of terrorist content online, in particular on:

    (a) reasonable and proportionate duties of care to be applied by hosting service providers in order to address the dissemination to the public of terrorist content through their services and ensure, where necessary, the expeditious removal of or disabling of access to such content;

    (b) the measures to be put in place by Member States, in accordance with Union law and subject to suitable safeguards to protect fundamental rights, in particular the freedom of expression and information in an open and democratic society, in order to:

    (i) identify and ensure the expeditious removal of terrorist content by hosting service providers; and

    (ii) facilitate cooperation among the competent authorities of Member States, hosting service providers and, where appropriate, Europol.

    2. This Regulation applies to hosting service providers offering services in the Union, irrespective of their place of main establishment, insofar as they disseminate information to the public.

    3. Material disseminated to the public for educational, journalistic, artistic or research purposes or for the purposes of preventing or countering terrorism, including material which represents an expression of polemic or controversial views in the course of public debate, shall not be considered to be terrorist content. An assessment shall determine the true purpose of that dissemination and whether material is disseminated to the public for those purposes.

    4. This Regulation shall not have the effect of modifying the obligation to respect the rights, freedoms and principles referred to in Article 6 TEU and shall apply without prejudice to fundamental principles relating to freedom of expression and information, including freedom and pluralism of the media.

    5. This Regulation shall be without prejudice to Directives 2000/31/EC and 2010/13/EU. For audiovisual media services as defined in point (a) of Article 1(1) of Directive 2010/13/EU, Directive 2010/13/EU shall prevail.

    Article 4: Procedure for cross-borders removal orders 

    3.   The competent authority of the Member State where the hosting service provider has its main establishment or where its legal representative resides or is established may, on its own initiative, within 72 hours of receiving the copy of the removal order in accordance with paragraph 1, scrutinise the removal order to determine whether it seriously or manifestly infringes this Regulation or the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Charter.

    Where it finds an infringement, it shall, within the same period, adopt a reasoned decision to that effect. 

  • Directive (EU) 2016/800 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016 on procedural safeguards for children who are suspects or accused persons in criminal proceedings
    URL:
    Directive (EU) 2016/800 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016 on procedural safeguards for children who are suspects or accused persons in criminal proceedings

    Preamble

    (31) Member States should be able to derogate temporarily from the obligation to provide assistance by a lawyer in the pre-trial phase for compelling reasons, namely where there is an urgent need to avert serious adverse consequences for the life, liberty or physical integrity of a person, or where immediate action by the investigating authorities is imperative to prevent substantial jeopardy to criminal proceedings in relation to a serious criminal offence, inter alia, with a view to obtaining information concerning the alleged co-perpetrators of a serious criminal offence, or in order to avoid the loss of important evidence regarding a serious criminal offence. During a temporary derogation for one of those compelling reasons, the competent authorities should be able to question children without the lawyer being present, provided that they have been informed of their right to remain silent and can exercise that right, and that such questioning does not prejudice the rights of the defence, including the right not to incriminate oneself. It should be possible to carry out questioning, to the extent necessary, for the sole purpose of obtaining information that is essential to avert serious adverse consequences for the life, liberty or physical integrity of a person, or to prevent substantial jeopardy to criminal proceedings. Any abuse of this temporary derogation would, in principle, irretrievably prejudice the rights of the defence.‘
     

    (33) Confidentiality of communication between children and their lawyer is key to ensuring the effective exercise of the rights of the defence and is an essential part of the right to a fair trial. Member States should therefore respect the confidentiality of meetings and other forms of communication between the lawyer and the child in the context of the assistance by a lawyer provided for in this Directive, without derogation.

    (35) Children who are suspects or accused persons in criminal proceedings should have the right to an individual assessment to identify their specific needs in terms of protection, education, training and social integration, to determine if and to what extent they would need special measures during the criminal proceedings, the extent of their criminal responsibility and the appropriateness of a particular penalty or educative measure.

    Article 3: Definitions
    For the purposes of this Directive the following definitions apply:
    (1) ‘child’ means a person below the age of 18;
    (2) ‘holder of parental responsibility’ means any person having parental responsibility over a child;  [...]
    With regard to point (1) of the first paragraph, where it is uncertain whether a person has reached the age of 18, that person shall be presumed to be a child.


    Article 4: Right to information
    1.   Member States shall ensure that when children are made aware that they are suspects or accused persons in criminal proceedings, they are informed promptly about their rights [...].


    Article 5 - Right of the child to have the holder of parental responsibility informed
    1.   Member States shall ensure that the holder of parental responsibility is provided, as soon as possible, with the information that the child has a right to receive in accordance with Article 4.

    Article 6: Assistance by a lawyer
    2.   Member States shall ensure that children are assisted by a lawyer in accordance with this Article in order to allow them to exercise the rights of the defence effectively.

     

     

    Article 10: Limitation of deprivation of liberty
    1.   Member States shall ensure that deprivation of liberty of a child at any stage of the proceedings is limited to the shortest appropriate period of time. Due account shall be taken of the age and individual situation of the child, and of the particular circumstances of the case.
    2.   Member States shall ensure that deprivation of liberty, in particular detention, shall be imposed on children only as a measure of last resort. Member States shall ensure that any detention is based on a reasoned decision, subject to judicial review by a court. Such a decision shall also be subject to periodic review, at reasonable intervals of time, by a court, either ex officio or at the request of the child, of the child's lawyer, or of a judicial authority which is not a court. Without prejudice to judicial independence, Member States shall ensure that decisions to be taken pursuant to this paragraph are taken without undue delay. 
     

    Article 11: Alternative measures
    Member States shall ensure that, where possible, the competent authorities have recourse to measures alternative to detention (alternative measures).
     

    Article 12: Specific treatment in the case of deprivation of liberty
    1.   Member States shall ensure that children who are detained are held separately from adults, unless it is considered to be in the child's best interests not to do so.
    2.   Member States shall also ensure that children who are kept in police custody are held separately from adults, unless:
    (a) it is considered to be in the child's best interests not to do so; or
    (b) in exceptional circumstances, it is not possible in practice to do so, provided that children are held together with adults in a manner that is compatible with the child's best interests.
    3.   Without prejudice to paragraph 1, when a detained child reaches the age of 18, Member States shall provide for the possibility to continue to hold that person separately from other detained adults where warranted, taking into account the circumstances of the person concerned, provided that this is compatible with the best interests of children who are detained with that person.
    4.   Without prejudice to paragraph 1, and taking into account paragraph 3, children may be detained with young adults, unless this is contrary to the child's best interests.
    5.   When children are detained, Member States shall take appropriate measures to:
    (a) ensure and preserve their health and their physical and mental development;
    (b) ensure their right to education and training, including where the children have physical, sensory or learning disabilities;
    (c) ensure the effective and regular exercise of their right to family life;
    (d) ensure access to programmes that foster their development and their reintegration into society; and
    (e) ensure respect for their freedom of religion or belief.
    The measures taken pursuant to this paragraph shall be proportionate and appropriate to the duration of the detention.
    Points (a) and (e) of the first subparagraph shall also apply to situations of deprivation of liberty other than detention. The measures taken shall be proportionate and appropriate to such situations of deprivation of liberty.
    Points (b), (c), and (d) of the first subparagraph shall apply to situations of deprivation of liberty other than detention only to the extent that is appropriate and proportionate in the light of the nature and duration of such situations.
    6.   Member States shall endeavour to ensure that children who are deprived of liberty can meet with the holder of parental responsibility as soon as possible, where such a meeting is compatible with investigative and operational requirements. This paragraph shall be without prejudice to the nomination or designation of another appropriate adult pursuant to Article 5 or 15.
     

  • Council Regulation (EU) 2016/1103 of 24 June 2016 implementing enhanced cooperation in the area of jurisdiction, applicable law and the recognition and enforcement of decisions in matters of matrimonial property regimes
    URL:
    Council Regulation (EU) 2016/1103 of 24 June 2016 implementing enhanced cooperation in the area of jurisdiction, applicable law and the recognition and enforcement of decisions in matters of matrimonial property regimes

    [...]

    (73) This Regulation respects fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised in the Charter, in particular Articles 7, 9, 17, 21 and 47 concerning, respectively, respect for private and family life, the right to marry and to found a family according to national laws, property rights, the principle of non-discrimination and the right to an effective remedy and to a fair trial. This Regulation should be applied by the courts and other competent authorities of the Member States in compliance with those rights and principles.

    [...]

  • Regulation (EU) 2023/1543 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 July 2023 on European Production Orders and European Preservation Orders for electronic evidence in criminal proceedings and for the execution of custodial sentences
    URL:
    Regulation (EU) 2023/1543 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 July 2023 on European Production Orders and European Preservation Orders for electronic evidence in criminal proceedings and for the execution of custodial sentences

    Preamble 


    (13) The respect for private and family life and the protection of natural persons regarding the processing of personal data are fundamental rights. In accordance with Article 7 and Article 8(1) of the Charter, everyone has the right to respect for their private and family life, home and communications and to the protection of personal data concerning them.

    (46) The principle of ne bis in idem is a fundamental principle of law in the Union, as recognised by the Charter and developed by the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union. Where the issuing authority has grounds to believe that parallel criminal proceedings could be ongoing in another Member State, it should consult the authorities of that Member State in accordance with Council Framework Decision 2009/948/JHA . In any case, a European Production Order or a European Preservation Order is not to be issued where the issuing authority has grounds to believe that this would be contrary to the ne bis in idem principle.

    Article 1: Subject matter

    1. This Regulation lays down the rules under which an authority of a Member State, in criminal proceedings, may issue a European Production Order or a European Preservation Order and thereby order a service provider offering services in the Union and established in another Member State, or, if not established, represented by a legal representative in another Member State, to produce or to preserve electronic evidence regardless of the location of the data. This Regulation is without prejudice to the powers of national authorities to address service providers established or represented on their territory for the purpose of ensuring that they comply with national measures similar to those referred to in the first subparagraph.

    2. The issuing of a European Production Order or of a European Preservation Order may also be requested by a suspect or an accused person, or by a lawyer on that person’s behalf within the framework of applicable defence rights in accordance with national criminal procedural law.

    3. This Regulation shall not have the effect of modifying the obligation to respect the fundamental rights and legal principles as enshrined in the Charter and in Article 6 TEU, and any obligations applicable to law enforcement authorities or judicial authorities in this respect shall remain unaffected. This Regulation applies without prejudice to fundamental principles, in particular the freedom of expression and information, including the freedom and pluralism of the media, respect for private and family life, the protection of personal data, as well as the right to effective judicial protection.

  • Directive (EU) 2022/2381 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 November 2022 on improving the gender balance among directors of listed companies and related measures
    URL:
    Directive (EU) 2022/2381 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 November 2022 on improving the gender balance among directors of listed companies and related measures

    Article 1

    Purpose

    This Directive aims to achieve a more balanced representation of women and men among the directors of listed companies by establishing effective measures that aim to accelerate progress towards gender balance, while allowing listed companies sufficient time to make the necessary arrangements for that purpose.

  • Directive (EU) 2019/1937 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2019 on the protection of persons who report breaches of Union law
    URL:
    Directive (EU) 2019/1937 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2019 on the protection of persons who report breaches of Union law

    Article 1

    Purpose

    The purpose of this Directive is to enhance the enforcement of Union law and policies in specific areas by laying down common minimum standards providing for a high level of protection of persons reporting breaches of Union law.

  • Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market For Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act)
    URL:
    Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market For Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act)

    Article 34: Risk assessment

    1. Providers of very large online platforms and of very large online search engines shall diligently identify, analyse and assess any systemic risks in the Union stemming from the design or functioning of their service and its related systems, including algorithmic systems, or from the use made of their services.

    They shall carry out the risk assessments by the date of application referred to in Article 33(6), second subparagraph, and at least once every year thereafter, and in any event prior to deploying functionalities that are likely to have a critical impact on the risks identified pursuant to this Article. This risk assessment shall be specific to their services and proportionate to the systemic risks, taking into consideration their severity and probability, and shall include the following systemic risks:

    [...]

    (b) any actual or foreseeable negative effects for the exercise of fundamental rights, in particular the fundamental rights to human dignity enshrined in Article 1 of the Charter, to respect for private and family life enshrined in Article 7 of the Charter, to the protection of personal data enshrined in Article 8 of the Charter, to freedom of expression and information, including the freedom and pluralism of the media, enshrined in Article 11 of the Charter, to non-discrimination enshrined in Article 21 of the Charter, to respect for the rights of the child enshrined in Article 24 of the Charter and to a high-level of consumer protection enshrined in Article 38 of the Charter;

  • Directive 2010/64/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 October 2010 on the right to interpretation and translation in criminal proceedings
    URL:
    Directive 2010/64/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 October 2010 on the right to interpretation and translation in criminal proceedings

    Preamble 

    (5) Article 6 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (hereinafter the ECHR) and Article 47 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (hereinafter the Charter) enshrine the right to a fair trial. Article 48(2) of the Charter guarantees respect for the right of defence. This Directive respects those rights and should be implemented accordingly.

    Article 1: Subject matter and scope

    1. This Directive lays down rules concerning the right to interpretation and translation in criminal proceedings and proceedings for the execution of a European arrest warrant.

    2. The right referred to in paragraph 1 shall apply to persons from the time that they are made aware by the competent authorities of a Member State, by official notification or otherwise, that they are suspected or accused of having committed a criminal offence until the conclusion of the proceedings, which is understood to mean the final determination of the question whether they have committed the offence, including, where applicable, sentencing and the resolution of any appeal.

    3. Where the law of a Member State provides for the imposition of a sanction regarding minor offences by an authority other than a court having jurisdiction in criminal matters, and the imposition of such a sanction may be appealed to such a court, this Directive shall apply only to the proceedings before that court following such an appeal.

    4. This Directive does not affect national law concerning the presence of legal counsel during any stage of the criminal proceedings, nor does it affect national law concerning the right of access of a suspected or accused person to documents in criminal proceedings.

  • Directive 2013/48/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2013 on the right of access to a lawyer in criminal proceedings and in European arrest warrant proceedings
    URL:
    Directive 2013/48/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2013 on the right of access to a lawyer in criminal proceedings and in European arrest warrant proceedings

    Preamble 

    (1) Article 47 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the  European Union (the Charter), Article 6 of the European  Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and  Fundamental Freedoms (the ECHR) and Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (the ICCPR) enshrine the right to a fair trial. Article 48(2) of the Charter guarantees respect for the rights of the defence.


    (12) This Directive lays down minimum rules concerning the right of access to a lawyer in criminal proceedings and in proceedings for the execution of a European arrest warrant pursuant to Council Framework Decision 2002/584/JHA of 13 June 2002 on the European arrest warrant and the surrender procedures between Member States (European arrest warrant proceedings) and the right to have a third party informed upon deprivation of liberty and to communicate with third persons and with consular authorities while deprived of liberty. In doing so, it promotes the application of the Charter, in particular Articles 4, 6, 7, 47 and 48 thereof, by building upon Articles 3, 5, 6 and 8 ECHR, as interpreted by the European Court of Human Rights, which, in its case-law, on an ongoing basis, sets standards on the right of access to a lawyer. That case-law provides, inter alia, that the fairness of proceedings requires that a suspect or accused person be able to obtain the whole range of services specifically associated with legal assistance. In that regard, the lawyers of suspects or accused persons should be able to secure without restriction, the fundamental aspects of the defence.

    (52) This Directive upholds the fundamental rights and principles recognised by the Charter, including the prohibition of torture and inhuman and degrading treatment, the right to liberty and security, respect for private and family life, the right to the integrity of the person, the rights of the child, integration of persons with disabilities, the right to an effective remedy and the right to a fair trial, the presumption of innocence and the rights of the defence. This Directive should be implemented in accordance with those rights and principles.

    Article 1: Subject matter

    This Directive lays down minimum rules concerning the rights of suspects and accused persons in criminal proceedings and of persons subject to proceedings pursuant to Framework Decision 2002/584/JHA (‘European arrest warrant proceedings’) to have access to a lawyer, to have a third party informed of the deprivation of liberty and to communicate with third persons and with consular authorities while deprived of liberty.

    Article 11: Legal aid

    This Directive is without prejudice to national law in relation to legal aid, which shall apply in accordance with the Charter and the ECHR.

     
  • Regulation (EU) 2021/693 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 April 2021 establishing the Justice Programme and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1382/2013
    URL:
    Regulation (EU) 2021/693 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 April 2021 establishing the Justice Programme and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1382/2013

    Article 1

    Subject matter

    This Regulation establishes the Justice Programme (the ‘Programme’) for the duration of the multiannual financial framework 2021-2027, as laid down in Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2093.

    It lays down the objectives of the Programme, the budget for the period 2021–2027, the forms of Union funding and the rules for providing such funding.

International Law

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Publications and data

  • Report / Paper / Summary
    8
    December
    2022

    Bias in algorithms - Artificial intelligence and discrimination

    Artificial intelligence is everywhere and affects everyone – from deciding what content people see on their social media feeds to determining who will receive state benefits. AI technologies are typically based on algorithms that make predictions to support or even fully automate decision-making.
    metamorworks © adobestock.com, 2022
  • Periodic updates / Series
    21
    October
    2022

    The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine ― The broad fundamental rights impact in the EU - Bulletin 2

    The Russian invasion of Ukraine triggered solidarity from EU governments, local authorities and society as they welcomed more than 7 million people fleeing the aggression. The European Union’s rapid response, activating the EU Temporary Protection Directive, offered welcome relief and much-needed support to those in need. It allowed displaced persons the opportunity to quickly settle and to work, travel and access services across the EU. But other pressing human rights issues have come to the fore and remain high on the EU’s agenda, such as human trafficking, sexual and gender-based violence, hate crime and hate-fuelled disinformation.
  • Handbook / Guide / Manual
    14
    October
    2022

    Establishing national independent mechanisms to monitor fundamental rights compliance at EU external borders

    ** As of 19 September 2024 a new version of this guidance has been issued. Please see the link below. **

    Fundamental rights monitoring at EU external borders should be systematically and regularly carried out for a range of border management activities. These include border surveillance, apprehensions at land, sea and air borders, and the operation of referral mechanisms, including in the event of mass arrivals. This general guidance provides assistance to EU Member States in setting up national independent mechanisms to monitor fundamental rights compliance at EU external borders, in line with the proposed screening regulation of 23 September 2020 by the European Commission. The EU Agency for Fundamental Rights prepared this guidance at the request of the Commission.
    Visual Generation © adobestock.com, 2022
  • Report / Paper / Summary
    28
    September
    2022

    Directive (EU) 2017/541 on combating terrorism ― Impact on fundamental rights and freedoms - Summary

    Acts of terrorism represent a serious threat to the lives and safety of people, and a profound security challenge for states. At the same time, counter-terrorism legislation, policies and other measures can entail, directly or indirectly, serious limitations to fundamental rights, and can adversely affect individuals, groups and society as a whole. This summary presents FRA’s main findings from its report on Directive (EU) 2017/541 on combating terrorism, the main criminal law instrument at EU level in the field of counter-terrorism.
  • Report / Paper / Summary
    21
    June
    2022

    Children as suspects or accused persons in criminal proceedings — procedural safeguards

    Every child has a right to be protected even when they are accused or suspected of committing a crime. The basic principles of justice apply to adults and children alike. But children face specific obstacles during criminal proceedings, such as a lack of understandable information about their rights, limited legal support and poor treatment. The report looks at the practical implementation of Directive (EU) 2016/800 on procedural safeguards for children who are suspects or accused persons in criminal proceedings in nine Member States – Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Estonia, Italy, Malta, Poland and Portugal.
    New Africa © adobestock.com, 2022
  • Fundamental Rights Report
    8
    June
    2022

    Fundamental Rights Report 2022

    FRA’s Fundamental Rights Report 2022 reviews major developments in the field in 2021, identifying both achievements and areas of concern. It also presents FRA’s opinions on these developments, including a synopsis of the evidence supporting these opinions.
    Antonioguillem © adobestock.com, 2022
  • Report / Paper / Summary
    18
    November
    2021

    Directive (EU) 2017/541 on combating terrorism ― Impact on fundamental rights and freedoms

    This report examines the EU’s main criminal law instrument in the field of counter-terrorism, Directive (EU) 2017/541. Specifically, it considers how the directive engages issues of fundamental rights, affecting individuals, groups and society as a whole.
  • Report / Paper / Summary
    4
    November
    2021

    Legal aid for returnees deprived of liberty

    This report outlines to what extent legal aid is available to those held in pre-removal detention in the 27 EU Member States, and in North Macedonia and Serbia, during procedures related to their return. These involve decisions on return, on detention pending removal, the removal itself and on bans on entry. The report also examines when people are entitled to free legal aid and how this aid is funded, as well as who provides representation and various factors that limit the scope of legal aid.
  • Report / Paper / Summary
    9
    July
    2021

    European standards on legal remedies, complaints mechanisms and effective investigations at borders

    This note sets out human rights standards stemming from both the European Convention on Human Rights and European Union (EU) law that apply to effective remedies for human rights violations at borders, together with those on complaints mechanisms and investigations into complaints of rights violations at borders.
  • Report / Paper / Summary
    24
    June
    2021

    Protecting migrants in an irregular situation from labour exploitation – Role of the Employers Sanctions Directive

    The Employers Sanctions Directive was primarily enacted to dissuade employers from recruiting migrants in an irregular situation, but it also contains provisions to protect workers. It facilitates access to justice for exploited workers and sets out workers’ rights to claim back payment of outstanding wages. The directive also contains provisions to enhance the effectiveness of labour inspections. This report describes how the 25 Member States bound by the directive have been implementing its protective provisions, focusing on the impact these provisions have on migrant workers in an irregular situation who are victims of exploitation and other labour
    law violations.