This week, the EU Parliament debated the situation of fundamental rights in the European Union - the starting point being a current draft report. The report’s findings are little surprising, namely that the EU experiences an economic and financial crisis and that the wellbeing of citizens as well as the respect of their fundamental rights is seriously in danger because of the reaction of the EU and the reactive response of the Member States. This was also the overall tenor of the entire debate, which helped to show new directions and draw attention to the fact that fundamental rights have to be considered at all times - whatever the political decision.

A Europe of markets is not enough – the focus has to be on people

In her initial statement, the rapporteur, Laura Ferrara from the EFD Group (Europe of Freedom and Democracy), returned to her report and recommended the creation of an internal strategy of the European Union for fundamental rights, which is to be based on the Treaty on European Union (Article 2 TEU) and will address all organs of the Union, which are active in respect of safeguarding fundamental rights. She also addressed in detail a number of violations, which she regarded as a matter of priority in view of the current political situation. Her main concerns were the freedom of expression, the need to guarantee a fair balance between respect for fundamental rights and guaranteed collective safety and the impact of austerity policies. According to Ferrara, in particular the latter has shown that a Europa of markets was not sufficient and that the focus had once again to be shifted onto people.

The Single Market is only an instrument - but fundamental rights are the essence of European integration

Also taking part in the debate was Frans Timmermans, First Vice President of the European Commission and in charge of the Rule of Law and the Charter of Fundamental Rights. Timmermans in particular deplored the most recent incidents of anti-Semitic and anti-Islamic Discrimination and violence and warned against inciting and playing individual groups against each other. Hence, it was important to consider in particular fundamental rights to be the essence of European integration, for which the Single Market would only serve as an instrument. It was also emphasised how important especially the integration of the civil society is with regard to fundamental rights. The debate has shown that the issue is more topical than ever. It now remains to be seen whether First Vice President Timmermans will keep his promise to organise an annual colloquium on the situation of fundamental rights in the Union, in which all authoritative organs will participate. This might indeed lead to more effective mechanisms and methods to ensure better protection of the Rule of Law and fundamental rights for the people in the Union.

Further information:

Draft report of the EU Parliament on the situation of fundamental rights in the European Union