Digital regulation and threats to elections, the new FRA report
The latest edition of the Fundamental Rights Report, published by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), is available online on FRA website. As in previous years, Fondazione Giacomo Brodolini contributed to the publication by producing the country report for Italy.
FRA report provides an overview of the progress and challenges in the protection of human rights in the EU during 2024. These include threats to democracy posed by disinformation and misinformation, and the growing use of artificial intelligence and harmful rhetoric that undermined free and fair elections across the EU. It also focuses on widespread violence against women, systemic discrimination – including the increase in racism and online hate – and violations of migrants' rights along the EU's borders, with more than 3,500 people reported dead or missing at sea. The report includes the Agency's annual opinions and recommendations directed at EU institutions and Member States.
"Fundamental rights in Europe are facing growing and serious challenges" said FRA Director Sirpa Rautio. "Geopolitical tensions, rising intolerance and threats to election integrity are testing the resilience of our democratic institutions. At the same time, calls for simplification and deregulation risk undermining the vital safeguards that protect people’s rights. This is a wake-up call for the EU and EU countries to reaffirm their commitment – we need to act decisively to ensure fundamental rights remain at the core of all EU policies and actions".
Among the positive development highlighted in this year's report is the adoption of new digital regulations: according to the Agency, EU's efforts to regulate online platforms and artificial intelligence represent an important step towards the protection of fundamental rights.
As the Italian partner of the multidisciplinary network of experts FRANET, Fondazione Giacomo Brodolini produced the Italian Report on Fundamental Rights 2025. This year's edition focuses on two key areas: measures to promote equal participation in elections, and actions taken to support and protect survivors of gender-based violence.
