Summary
On 7 December 2025, the European Union celebrates 25 years since the Charter of Fundamental Rights was adopted. Since its entry into force in 2009, the Charter has the same legal value as the EU treaties, binding EU institutions and member states when implementing EU law.
Key facts
- The Charter of Fundamental Rights enshrines the fundamental rights of everyone in the EU.
- Since the Treaty of Lisbon, the Charter has had the same legal value as the EU’s founding treaties. This makes its rights legally binding for EU institutions and EU countries when they apply EU law.
- The Commission, as guardian of the Treaties, can take action against those who do not respect these fundamental rights.
- To mark the anniversary, the Commission published a series of videos featuring people across the EU reflecting on how fundamental rights matter in daily life.
- Strengthening the application of the Charter remains ongoing. In 2020, the Commission adopted a strategy to ensure rights become a reality for all, and annual reports monitor progress on the Charter’s application.
- The EU rests on founding values of fundamental rights, democracy, and the rule of law; protecting democracy and upholding EU values remains a main priority of the Commission.
Quotes
“On 7 December 2025, we celebrate 25 years of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU.” “The Charter protects and promotes the fundamental rights of everyone in the EU.” “Since 2009, with the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, the Charter has had the same legal value as the EU's founding treaties.” “This means its rights are legally binding for EU institutions and EU countries when they implement EU law.” “The Commission, as the guardian of the Treaties, can take action against those who do not respect these fundamental rights.”
Context
- The Charter was proclaimed on 7 December 2000 and became legally binding in 2009 with the Lisbon Treaty, giving it the same scope as the founding treaties when applying EU law.
- The EU’s approach to rights includes awareness-raising and accessibility, such as videos highlighting the Charter’s relevance to daily life across diverse contexts.
Author’s note
The EU marks a quarter-century of the Charter by reinforcing awareness, monitoring progress, and continuing efforts to ensure the Charter’s rights are realized for all in the Union.
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