Protecting fundamental rights in Europe: a public debate co-organised by the EU Delegation and the European Parliamentary Association

On 17 December, the EU Delegation to the Council of Europe and the European Parliamentary Association (APE) co-organised a public debate entitled "Protecting fundamental rights in Europe: forward and back?"

EU Ambassador Vesna Kos opened the discussion by noting that 2025 marks two significant anniversaries in the protection of fundamental rights in Europe: the 75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the 25th anniversary of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. She underlined the complementary nature of these instruments and highlighted that judicial dialogue between the courts in Strasbourg and Luxembourg has strengthened legal certainty and coherence for individuals across Europe.

The Ambassador also pointed out a number of worrying trends in Europe - including pressure on judicial independence, challenges to media freedom, shrinking civic space, and discrimination - stressing that these developments serve as a reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant and engaging in constructive dialogue. She reaffirmed the EU's commitment to human rights, emphasising that this commitment is deeply anchored in its partnership with the Council of Europe and its support for concrete reforms that strengthen democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights across the continent. She concluded her opening remarks by reiterating that EU accession to the ECHR remains a key objective and legal obligation under the Lisbon Treaty.

The debate featured two speakers: Helmut Brandstätter, Member of the European Parliament and rapporteur on the report on the implementation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union within the EU legal framework, and Rachael Kondak, Head of Cabinet to the President of the European Court of Human Rights.

The discussion focused on identifying recent developments that pose the greatest risks to fundamental rights in Europe, examining how European institutions are adapting to new and emerging challenges, and assessing whether Europe still possesses both the necessary tools and the political will to uphold fundamental rights effectively in practice.