The Commission has published its 2014 Report on the Application of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, which has gained increasing importance before the EU courts.
The Charter has been legally binding since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty on 1 December 2009. It is binding on EU institutions when enacting new measures. It also binds Member States when they act within the scope of EU law.
According to a press release, the Commission stated that it was committed to ensuring an efficient protection and promotion of fundamental rights in the EU. The report reviews the application of the Charter by and to EU institutions (in particular the Commission) and Member States. It highlights the importance of the European Convention of Human Rights and provides an update on EU accession to it. For the first time, the report also includes a section on a topical emerging issue. This year, the topic is fundamental rights in the digital environment.
2014 Report on the Application of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights
2014 Report on the Application of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights: Factsheet