23
May
2025

Consolidated Annual Activity Report of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights - 2024

The report contains a comprehensive and thorough account of the activities carried out by FRA in the implementation of its mandate and programme of work during 2024. It provides a detailed account of the results achieved in relation to the objectives
set out in the annual work programme and the five strategic areas defined in the FRA strategic plan for 2023–2028, of financial and management information and of the risks related to the organisation’s activities and measures.
Overview

Priority 1 - Support the upholding of fundamental rights standards in the development of new EU laws and policies

This priority aims to uphold fundamental rights standards in the development of new EU laws and policies through collecting and analysing reliable data, providing independent advice to decision-makers and conducting foresight work.

In 2024, the Agency:

  • provided expert advice and recommendations on emerging EU policy and legislation, ensuring fundamental rights considerations were considered in policy development;
  • delivered legal and policy analyses to inform key legislative proposals, supporting policymakers in aligning new initiatives with EU fundamental rights standards;
  • strengthened collaboration with the EU institutions, offering timely inputs into legislative processes to safeguard rights, particularly in the fields of AI, border management and justice reforms;
  • organised high-level dialogues and consultations with EU decisionmakers to facilitate evidence-based discussions on the fundamental rights implications of proposed policies.

The agency’s activities yielded strong results: 82 % of stakeholders believe FRA contributed significantly to embedding fundamental rights in EU policymaking. In 2024, FRA delivered 520 written and verbal contributions and addressed 136 requests for data and evidence, aiming to help ensure that fundamental rights are systematically considered in legislative processes. FRA was second only to the European Commission in the number of publications ordered through the Publications Office of the European Union. Furthermore, 80 % of stakeholders confirm that FRA’s work has positively shaped EU priorities and policies, highlighting its role as a trusted advisor in legislative processes. 70 % of stakeholders acknowledge FRA’s ability to provide timely, reliable expertise in emergency situations.

Priority 2 - Contribute to ensuring respect, protection and fulfilment of fundamental rights in the fields covered by existing EU laws and policies

This priority entails providing advice, research and real-time assistance to the EU institutions and Member States to support the effective implementation of laws and policies. Additionally, it promotes the integration of a fundamental rights perspective into laws and policies and helps address emerging challenges through practical, rights-based solutions.

In 2024, the Agency:

  • conducted assessments and provided recommendations on the implementation of key EU directives and regulations, including those concerning non-discrimination, and on data protection;
  • published research and surveys evaluating the impact of EU legislation on vulnerable populations, highlighting areas in which enforcement and compliance could be improved;
  • supported national authorities in strengthening their capacities to monitor fundamental rights, promoting promising practices for the effective application of EU legal frameworks
  • delivered targeted capacity-building activities and training for key stakeholders, including legal practitioners, policymakers and civil-society organisations, increasing awareness and implementation of rights-based approaches.

In 2024, FRA played an important role in supporting the effective implementation of fundamental rights legislation. This is reflected by the 81 % of stakeholders who believe FRA’s contributions help to uphold fundamental rights in the application of existing EU laws. Likewise, 82 % consider FRA’s activities instrumental in advancing the implementation of fundamental rights legislation. FRA’s outputs remain a critical resource for policymakers and practitioners, with 97 % of stakeholders reporting the use of FRA’s research and publications. Notably, 84 % of stakeholders credit FRA’s reports with deepening their understanding of fundamental rights trends, while 73 % state that FRA’s materials directly influence their work and decision-making.

To support implementation efforts, FRA actively engaged with stakeholders, organising or co-organising 77 events and contributing to 223 external meetings and events attended by 3 906 participants, thus ensuring that fundamental rights were consistently reinforced in policy discussions and practice. FRA’s work was extensively referenced, with 143 citations by key institutions and over 1 000 academic references, reflecting FRA’s widespread influence on fundamental rights implementation across Europe.

Priority 3 - Cross-cutting actions to support the realisation of the EU’s fundamental rights goals and vision

This priority focuses on promoting awareness among rights holders and duty bearers, developing research tools and indicators, and strengthening protection systems through partnerships. Additionally, it entails fostering dialogue among key actors to address fundamental rights challenges and support joint action.

In 2024, the Agency:

  • strengthened cross-sectoral cooperation and engagement with the EU institutions, national authorities, international organisations and civil society actors;
  • led initiatives addressing emerging challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, the rule of law and migration.

To enhance cross-cutting fundamental rights protections, FRA strengthened partnerships and expanded its outreach. 84 % of stakeholders affirm that the Agency’s activities increased the visibility of fundamental rights across the EU, while 77 % acknowledge FRA’s contribution to developing a human rights culture. FRA’s events continued to foster engagement and knowledge sharing, with 99.3 % of participants expressing willingness to attend future FRA events. The agency expanded its outreach, with 3 851 313 online downloads/ accesses of FRA outputs and 6 521 media articles highlighting the agency’s work in 2024. Also, in 2024 639 participants engaged in FRA’s technical assistance and capacity-building activities.

Through these efforts, FRA sought to reinforce fundamental rights across the EU in 2024. The Agency remained committed to supporting rights-compliant laws, ensuring their effective implementation, and fostering cross-sectoral collaboration.