The values enshrined in Article 2 of the EU treaty and the Charter of Fundamental Rights must be upheld in all EU policies and fully enforced by member states, Parliament says in a report adopted by 328 votes in favour, 199 against and with 98 abstentions.
MEPs warn that fundamental rights violations, democratic backsliding, political interference in the judiciary, shrinking civic space, threats to media freedom and journalists’ safety, and attacks on women’s rights and LGBTIQ+ equality point to broader pressure on EU values.
Fundamental rights at borders and online
They express concern that divergent national interpretations of the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights result in its uneven and inadequate application. Parliament calls on the member states to align fully with international human rights obligations and ensure that implementation of the EU pact on migration and asylum complies with fundamental rights obligations and the principle of non-refoulement. MEPs condemn violations including ill-treatment of migrants and violence at the Union’s external borders, and call for coordinated search and rescue operations, as well as swift disembarkation. They also stress the absolute prohibition of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment.
The report raises concerns about disinformation, foreign interference, election manipulation and the impact of digital platforms and artificial intelligence (AI) and calls for effective enforcement of the Digital Services Act, the AI Act and rules on political advertising, as well as stronger safeguards against spyware and unjustified surveillance.
Equality, civic space, social rights
Parliament demands stronger action against gender-based violence, hate crime and discrimination, including by recognising feminicide as a distinct crime. MEPs condemn conversion practices and backsliding on women’s rights and LGBTIQ+ equality, and stress the need to protect sexual and reproductive health and rights.
MEPs warn that civil society organisations and human rights defenders face legal and financial restrictions, smear campaigns, intimidation and criminalisation, and call for their sustainable EU funding, a rapid response mechanism for threatened organisations, and stronger monitoring of the civic space. They also call for action against structural racism, better enforcement of equality laws, the adoption of the Horizontal Anti-Discrimination Directive and stronger protection for persons with disabilities.
Lastly, Parliament raises concerns over corruption and inadequate whistle-blower protection, poor prison conditions, poverty, housing exclusion, the misuse of EU funds, and neglected environmental rights, including the right to a healthy environment.
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Rapporteur Anna Strolenberg (Greens/EFA, NL) said: “Across Europe, fundamental rights for all vulnerable groups are under pressure, while at the same time, those who defend human rights are being silenced or even criminalised. Those who stand up for others should be protected, not punished. Fundamental rights must remain non-negotiable. This report is not abstract, it is about real lives, and it makes clear what needs to be done. The question is whether the Commission and member states have the political will to do it.”