The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights is meant to protect everyone’s rights and freedoms in the Union. Yet, 25 years after it became legally binding, many still don’t feel its full impact. This gap was the focus of a hearing co-hosted by the European Commission and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) on 10 June, in the context of the Commission’s midterm review of its Strategy to strengthen the application of the Charter. The event brought together legal experts, civil society representatives and EU institutions to assess how the Charter is used today and what more is needed to mainstream its application.

The midterm review, launched by the European Commission, evaluates progress made since 2020 and highlights gaps that remain. Its goal is to guide new measures for 2026–2030, ensuring the Charter becomes a stronger and more effective tool to protect fundamental rights across the EU.

Although the Charter is an instrument of primary EU law, it is still underused, especially at national level, where most decisions affecting rights are made. Public authorities and courts rarely refer to it, and public awareness varies widely across the EU. While EU institutions have taken steps to promote its use, its full potential remains untapped.

In today’s political climate, national pressures on the rule of law and democracy put Charter protections at risk, while the lack of national policies to promote its implementation continues to persist.

A key message from the hearing was the crucial role of civil society. Local organisations help people understand their rights, support victims of abuse, and hold institutions accountable. But they often face serious obstacles: legal barriers, lack of funding, and political restrictions. To remain effective, civil society needs not only support but also space and trust to operate freely.

Participants also stressed the need to make the Charter more visible and accessible. This means better training for public officials, clearer communication with the public, stronger national action plans, and regular monitoring of how rights are upheld in practice.

At the same time, the EU must hold itself to the same high standards it promotes. If it wants to be taken seriously on human rights, it must also apply the Charter fully in its own policies and institutions. That includes being transparent, staying accountable, and expanding conditionality to all EU funds. 

The Charter matters beyond the EU’s borders too. When the EU works with other countries—through trade, aid, or diplomacy—its commitment to human rights sets an important example. But this also means the EU is subject to scrutiny. Several participants pointed to the ongoing war in Gaza as a major test of the EU’s credibility. The EU is being urged to apply the same human rights principles in its foreign policy as it expects at home. Its values must be consistent, inside and outside its borders.

The EESC supports these efforts by amplifying civil society’s voice and sharing real-life experiences from the ground. The EESC Fundamental Rights and Rule of Law (FRRL) Group conducts country visits to gather civil society’s perspectives on the state of fundamental rights and the rule of law in different EU and candidate countries. These findings will feed into the EESC’s annual conference on these topics, taking place on 25 November 2025.

Making the Charter a reality is a shared responsibility. The EU and its Member States must lead, but civil society must be at the table.