HOW DO WE UPHOLD THE EU CHARTER OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS IN EUROPE

European Parliament Room A1E2

Thursday the 7th of November 15.00-17.00

Nyt Europa and the European Civic Forum are pleased to invite you to a high-level conference focused on the state of fundamental rights and the rule of law within the European Union. This event will provide an opportunity to assess the current legal landscape and human rights situation across Europe in the aftermath of the recent European Parliament elections.

Civil society across the EU has raised concerns about alarming trends threatening essential freedoms, including the right to bodily autonomy, freedom of expression, and freedom of assembly. We are observing intensified debates around democratic participation, questioning whether activism is being framed as a risk to democracy. In parallel, there is increasing politicization of the role of civil society, particularly in its function as a guardian of democracy.

These challenges have been thoroughly documented by organizations such as the European Civic Forum and the Fundamental Rights Agency, which have issued reports highlighting the urgent need for action, particularly in safeguarding the rights of ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.

This conference will spotlight these fundamental rights challenges and foster discussions on how we can better protect our rights, and strengthen both national and international legal frameworks. A key focus will be on how the newly appointed European Commission will prioritize these issues. Together with civil society organizations, legal experts, and other key stakeholders, we aim to collaboratively explore strategies for addressing democratic challenges and safeguarding fundamental rights across the EU.