Strengthening fundamental rights in Europe
On 6 and 7 February 2025, the consortium meeting of the project EU Charter of Fundamental Rights: Awareness Raising and Instrument to Promote a Culture of Rights (FAIR) was held in Nicosia (Cyprus). One year after the launch of the project, the meeting represented a key moment to assess the achievements reached so far, and outline the next steps to enhance awareness and implementation of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
In addition to presenting the results of activities conducted in various partner countries over the past twelve months, the discussion highlighted a shared commitment: improving the Charter’s practical applicability and ensuring its accessibility for all. To this end, the consortium has developed a strategic plan for upcoming initiatives, involving a diverse range of stakeholders in the sector.
As explained by Marta Capesciotti, Social Justice expert at Fondazione Brodolini and scientific coordinator of the FAIR project, "the first challenge will be to develop a clear and detailed roadmap of awareness-raising activities to be implemented in different countries".
Each partner organisation will work on targeted initiatives aimed at reaching four key groups: civil society organisations, human rights defenders, justice pratictioners and the general public. "The objective is to make the Charter more accessible and widely known, turning it into a key reference tool for those operating in the field of fundamental rights" she concludes.
Furthermore, experts and activists will participate in specialised workshops designed for those who work daily to protect the rights of the most vulnerable groups. The sessions will focus on tools and strategies to enhance legal protection and political action, with particular emphasis on the recommendations of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA).
Lawyers, judges, and legal scholars will have the opportunity to attend a seminar exploring the role of the Charter in judicial proceedings. Practical tools will be presented, such as the Charterpedia platform and the official Charter app, to facilitate access to information and enhance the application of fundamental rights in court cases.
Finally, to ensure that the Charter becomes a truly shared asset, "the general public must understand its significance" Capesciotti adds. To achieve this, each partner will develop a comprehensive awareness campaign tailored to their national context. Informational materials and multimedia content will also be created, to highlight the Charter’s value and its tangible impact on daily life.
The meeting in Nicosia was more than just a forum for dialogue; it marked a pivotal milestone in promoting the more effective and widespread implementation of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. "This new operational phase, guided by a well-defined roadmap and a shared commitment, reinforces the FAIR project’s mission to build a more equitable and inclusive Europe" Capesciotti concludes.
