Changes from report parliamentary committee draft to plenary report

The years 2024 and 2025 have seen fundamental rights in the European Union come under increasing pressure from different fronts. Threats to the rule of law, shrinking civic space, a rise in hate speech and xenophobic narratives, violence against refugees and migrants, and the undermining of women’s and LGBTQ+ rights illustrate a worrying trend.

This erosion of fundamental rights has been exacerbated by enduring socio-economic inequalities. While Russia’s war against Ukraine continues, the attacks on Gaza persist, and more leaders display autocratic behaviour, fundamental rights are increasingly under pressure. In these tense times, there is a real risk that fundamental rights are sidelined on the political agenda.

Precisely in moments of instability, it is crucial to recall the values on which the European Union is founded: human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, all enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights and in the EU Treaties. Upholding these principles is not only a legal obligation for EU institutions and Member States, but also what makes Europe a unique political project with citizens’ well-being at its core. The EU must not compromise on these foundations. Fundamental rights are not static; they require active promotion and implementation.

The attacks on civic space across Europe are one of the signs of weakening democracy. The recent restriction to the right to peaceful assembly, in particular bans on pro-Palestine protests and Pride events, as well as the repression and criminalisation of human rights defenders (HRDs) and NGOs working with refugees, asylum seekers and migrants set dangerous precedents. This is intensified by the funding restrictions from the US and the EU to civil society organizations.

The Rapporteur is concerned about the growing polarisation and fragmentation of European societies, often fuelled by populist political actors. Scapegoating minorities, exploiting identity politics, and spreading disinformation divides communities and erodes trust. Politicians and governments have a duty to uphold democratic standards and refrain from rhetoric that fuels hatred, racism, and violence.

Rapid digital change and artificial intelligence aggravate these risks, as the unchecked spread of hate speech and harmful content online, together with biased algorithms and manipulative design, undermine equality and civic life. These threats became particularly visible during the European elections, when reports found an increase in online hate speech, violence and death threats across various Member States. Moreover, security services in some countries warned about the rapid online radicalisation of young people, particularly within right-wing extremist networks. Finally, foreign interference in electoral processes is a clear example of how online platforms can be weaponised to undermine democracy.

In the years ahead, the Union must renew its democratic foundations, strengthen citizens’ participation, and place equality, justice and sustainability at the heart of its policies. Only by actively defending and advancing rights can the EU rebuild trust in its institutions, and remain credible on the international stage,

Approach by the Rapporteur

With this report, the Rapporteur seeks to highlight the main developments in the state of fundamental rights in the EU during 2024 and 2025.

The limited length of own-initiative reports requires prioritisation, yet the absence of certain concerns does not diminish their importance. This text provides a general framework which can and will be further enriched during the amendment stage.

Structure

The draft report is structured around clusters of fundamental rights. While the first part of the Report provides an overview of the main fundamental rights concerns in the EU, the individual chapters include concrete calls to action in order to make the report as practical, focused and actional as possible.

These are the main chapters:

Fundamental rights at stake

This chapter includes general calls for the upholding of fundamental rights, including for instance the promotion of EU values

Democracy under stress

This chapter addresses backsliding in several Member States, including threats to judicial independence, high-level corruption, misuse of spyware, and weakening parliamentary rights. It also highlights risks to media freedom and pluralism, the spread of disinformation, and the abuse of emergency powers.

Fundamental rights violations at borders

This chapter covers inter alia pushbacks, systemic violence, and externalisation policies that undermine access to asylum and breach non-refoulement. It calls for accountability and EU action to ensure that migration management respects human dignity.

Gender-based violence, women’s rights and the rights of LGBTIQ+ people

This chapter stresses the urgent need to combat gender-based violence, including and anti-gender movements. It calls for the protection of sexual and reproductive rights, the inclusion of the right to abortion in the Charter, and stronger safeguards for LGBTIQ+ people against hate and discrimination.

Civil society under threat

This chapter covers the unprecedented restrictions on civic space. It calls for sustainable EU funding for CSOs and protection of human rights defenders.

Structural racism and discrimination

This chapter addresses systemic racism and discrimination. It calls for the adoption of the Horizontal Anti-Discrimination Directive, stronger equality strategies, and enforcement of EU anti-discrimination law.

Environmental, social, economic and cultural rights at risk

This chapter highlights rising poverty, housing exclusion, and homelessness as fundamental rights concerns. It stresses the right to a sustainable environment and calls for a just transition.