Parliament sounds the alarm over the state of fundamental rights in the EU

The values enshrined in Article 2 of the EU Treatyand in theCharter of Fundamental Rightsmust be respected in all EU policies and fully implemented by Member States, according to a report adopted by the Parliament with 328 votes in favour, 199 against and 98 abstentions.

MEPs warn that violations of fundamental rights, democratic backsliding, political interference in the judiciary, the shrinking of civic space, threats to press freedom and the safety of journalists, as well as attacks on women’s rights and LGBTIQ equality, point to broader pressure on EU values.

Fundamental rights at borders and online

They express concern that differing national interpretations of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights lead to uneven and inadequate implementation. Parliament urges Member States to align fully with international human rights obligations and ensure that the implementationof the EU pact on migration and asylumcomplies with fundamental rights obligations and theprinciple of non-refoulement. MEPs condemn violations, including ill-treatment of migrants and violence at the Union’s external borders, and call for coordinated search and rescue operations, as well as rapid disembarkation. They also emphasise the absolute prohibition of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment.

The report raises concerns about disinformation, foreign interference, electoral manipulation and the impact of digital platforms and artificial intelligence (AI), and calls for the effective implementation of the Digital Services Act, the AI Act and rules on political advertising, as well as stronger safeguards against spyware and unjustified surveillance.

Equality, civic space, social rights

Parliament calls for stronger measures against gender-based violence, hate crimes and discrimination, including the recognition of femicide as a specific offence. MEPs condemn conversion therapy and the rollback of women’s rights and LGBTIQ equality, and stress the need to protect sexual and reproductive health and rights.

MEPs warn that civil society organisations and human rights defenders face legal and financial restrictions, smear campaigns, intimidation and criminalisation, and call for sustainable EU funding for these organisations, a rapid response mechanism for organisations under threat and greater oversight of civic space. They also call for measures against structural racism, better enforcement of equality laws, the adoption of theHorizontal Anti-Discrimination Directiveand greater protection for people with disabilities.

Finally, Parliament expresses concern over corruption and insufficient protection for whistleblowers, poor prison conditions, poverty, housing exclusion, the misuse of EU funds and the neglect of environmental rights, including the right to a healthy environment.

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RapporteurAnna Strolenberg (Greens/EFA, Netherlands) stated: “Across Europe, the fundamental rights of all vulnerable groups are under pressure, whilst, at the same time, those who defend human rights are silenced or even criminalised. Those who stand up for others must be protected, not punished. Fundamental rights must remain non-negotiable. This report is not abstract; it is about real lives and makes clear what needs to be done. The question is whether the Commission and the Member States have the political will to do so.”

More information: European Parliament.