As the European Union prepares to mark the 25th anniversary of its Charter of Fundamental Rights, the European Commission has released its 2025

Annual Report assessing how effectively the landmark document is being applied across the Union.

First proclaimed in 2000, the Charter enshrines the EU’s core values — human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights. It brings together civil, political, economic and social rights into a single legal framework, shaping EU law and policy ever since.

In 2020, the Commission adopted a dedicated Strategy to strengthen the application of the Charter, setting out concrete actions for EU institutions, Member States, civil society and independent rights bodies. Since then, the Commission has published annual reports tracking progress.

The latest report offers a five-year overview of measures taken between 2020 and 2025. According to the Commission, most of the strategy’s policy commitments have now been fulfilled. This includes closer cooperation with national authorities, increased funding and support for civil society organisations, stronger protection for independent fundamental rights bodies, and more training for judges and legal professionals. The Charter is also being used more consistently in EU law-making.

The report notes that the Commission has continued to invest in creating an enabling environment for organisations defending EU values and fundamental rights, including through targeted financial support.

However, the findings also point to persistent challenges. While awareness of the Charter has risen, public knowledge remains limited. The Commission warns that stronger enforcement, better access to information and sustained capacity-building are still needed to ensure the Charter is applied consistently at all levels of government.

Looking ahead, the report outlines new EU-level and national measures to further strengthen the Charter’s application from 2026 to 2030 and beyond.

To mark the anniversary, a high-level conference will take place on 10 and 11 December, jointly organised by the European Commission, the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights and the Danish Presidency of the Council. The Commission is also publishing a Special Eurobarometer survey today, offering fresh insights into public awareness of and interest in the Charter.