The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the situation of fundamental rights in the European Union (2010 - 2011) (2011/2069(INI)) - 12 December 2012

On December 12th, 2012, the European Parliament adopted in plenary session the resolution (2011/2069(INI)) on the situation of fundamental rights in the European Union (2010 - 2011) .

The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights presents it 2011 annual report: "Fundamental rights: challenges and achievments in 2011" - 20 June 2012

The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) presented to the European Parliament its 2011 annual report.

The European Parliament publishes a study called “Main trends in the recent case law of the EU Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights in the field of fundamental rights” - April 2012

At the end of April, the European Parliament published a study called “Main trends in the recent case law of the EU Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights in the field of fundamental rights”.

The Commission publishes its legislative proposals related to the reform of the EU data protection framework - 25 January 2012

Today, the European Commission published the expected legislative proposals related to the reform of the EU data protection legislative framework, in other words, the reform of the Directive 1995, the most important EU legislative tool in the field of data protection.

The European Commission reasserts the need of an enhanced solidarity of EU members States in the field of asylum - 2 November 2011

The European Commission published, on November 2nd 2011, a communication in which it points out measures it will propose as to improve solidarity between member States when it comes to asylum.

The new agreement on passengers name record (PNR) between the EU and the USA is published - 17 November 2011

On November 17th 2011, the European Union and the United States have initialled a new agreement on the transfer of air passengers’ data for flights from the EU to the US. If adopted by the European Parliament and EU Member States in the Council of Ministers, the new agreement on Passenger Name Records (PNR) will replace the current agreement from 2007, improving data protection whilst providing an efficient tool to fight serious transnational crime and terrorism.

The European Commission publishes a Green paper on the right to family reunification of third country nationals living in the European Union - 15 November 2011

The European Commission published, on November 15th 2011, a Green paper on the right to family reunification of third country nationals living in the European Union, following the implementation of the Directive 2003/86/EC.

The Commission releases its Communication related to "Smart Borders" - 4 November 2011

The European Commission published on October 25th 2011 a communication entitled "Smart borders – options and the way ahead".

3111th session of the Council of the European Union Justice and Home Affairs - 22 and 23 September 2011

The 3111th session of the Council of the European Union - JUSTICE and HOME AFFAIRS - will take place on 22 September (10.00) and 23 September (10.00), in the Justus Lipsius Building, Brussels, under the chair of Mr Jerzy MILLER, Polish Minister for the Interior, and Mr Krzysztof KWIATKOWSKI, Polish Minister for Justice.

Agenda of the parliamentary committee Civil liberties, justice and home affairs (LIBE) - 19 September 2011

The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) is in charge of most of the legislation and democratic oversight for policies linked to the transformation of the European Union in the area of freedom, security and justice (AFSJ) (art. 3 TEU). These policies are intertwined with the implementation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights in EU territory and with the strengthening of European Citizenship.

Agenda of the parliamentary committee Civil liberties, justice and home affairs (LIBE) - 31 August 2011

The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) is in charge of most of the legislation and democratic oversight for policies linked to the transformation of the European Union in the area of freedom, security and justice (AFSJ) (art. 3 TEU). These policies are intertwined with the implementation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights in EU territory and with the strengthening of European Citizenship.

Find out the major results of the EP plenary session of July - 8 July 2011

The European Parliament adopted, at its plenary session of July, several legislative resolutions on topics AEDH is working on.

European Council conclusions of June 23rd and 24th - 28 June 2011

Representatives of EU member States gathered on June 23rd and 24th at the occasion of a European Council.

Find out the results of the last plenary session of the EESC - 15 and 16 June 2011

At its 472nd plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee adopted opinions which concern one or several themes of work of AEDH.

Agenda of the parliamentary committee Civil liberties, justice and home affairs (LIBE) - 15 and 16 June 2011

The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) is in charge of most of the legislation and democratic oversight for policies linked to the transformation of the European Union in the area of freedom, security and justice (AFSJ) (art. 3 TEU). These policies are intertwined with the implementation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights in EU territory and with the strengthening of European Citizenship.

Agenda of the Parliamentary Committee Employment and Social affairs (EMPL) - 15 and 16 June 2011

The EMPL committee is responsible for employment policy and all aspects of social policy such as working conditions, social security and social protection; health and safety measures at the workplace; the European Social Fund; vocational training policy, including professional qualifications; the free movement of workers and pensioners; social dialogue; all forms of discrimination at the workplace and in the labour market except those based on sex.

Fundamental Rights Agency annual report - 15 June 2011

The Fundamental Rights Agency of the EU (FRA) published, on June 15th 2011, its annual report on challenges and achievements regarding human rights in the European Union in 2010.

3096th session of the Council of the European Union Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) - 9 and 10 June 2011

The 3096th session of the Council of the European Union - JUSTICE and HOME AFFAIRS - will take place on Thursday 9 (10.00) and Friday 10 June (10.00) 2011, in the Conference Centre - FIL, 5, rue Carlo Hemmer, Luxembourg, under the chair of Mr Sándor PINTÉR, Minister for the Interior, and Mr Tibor NAVRACSICS, Minister for Justice.

CJUE reminds that no undocumented migrants should be detained under the Return directive - 28 April 2011

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) decided, on April 28th 2011, that prison term does not respect the 2008 “Return” European directive when irregular stay is the only motive.

EDPS is concerned about PNR proposal - 25 March 2010

On 25 March 2011, the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) adopted an opinion on a new Commission’s proposal to oblige airline carriers to provide EU Member States with personal data on passengers (Passenger Name Record - PNR) entering or departing from the EU for the purpose of fighting serious crime and terrorism. Such data may include, for example, home address, mobile phone number, frequent flyer information, email address and credit card information.

The Commission presents its reform on EU state aid rules on Services of General Economic Interest - March 23rd 2011

The Commission issued on March 23rd 2011 a Communication on the application of EU State Aid rules on Services of General Economic Interest (COM(2011)146) aimed at lauching a debate on the future modification of the so-clled "Altmark package", the package on state aids.

900. The EU issues its legislation on the Citizens’ Initiative - March 23rd 2011

The Treaty on European Union (TEU) reinforces citizenship of the Union and enhances further the democratic functioning of the Union by providing, inter alia, that every citizen is to have the right to participate in the democratic life of the Union by way of a European citizens’ initiative. That procedure affords citizens the possibility of directly approaching the Commission with a request inviting it to submit a proposal for a legal act of the Union for the purpose of implementing the Treaties similar to the right conferred on the European Parliament under Article 225 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and on the Council under Article 241 TFEU.

The European Parliament commits itself for a European statutes for associations, foundations and mutual societies - 10 March 2011

The European Parliament adopted, on Thursday March 10th 2011, a Written declaration on establishing European Statutes for associations, foundations and mutual sociaties. This declaration was supported by 5 Members of the European Parliament and, thanks to the efforts of these members and civil society organisations, it was signed by a majority of MEPs and therefore became an official act of the European Parliament. The declaration will now be passed to the European Commission, the Council and the governments and parliaments of Member States.

The Council of the European Union approves a series of conclusions over personal data protection field: it calls for a comprehensive approach – 25 February 2011.

The European Council, taking into considerations the Communication from the Commission, confirms its involvement concerning data protection in the European Union, enhancing the need for a particular comprehensive approach.

The European Commission adds another stone to its general system of control : she issues a new proposal for a European PNR system - 2 February 2011

The European Commission issued its new proposal for a directive on the use of Passenger Name Record data for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime. In other words, this is a proposal for a directive to regulate the collect of PNR data at the European level.

The EDPS reminds the importance of the respect of private life in the fight for more and more security - 17 December 2010

On 17 December 2010, the EDPS issued an opinion on the Commission’s communication on the EU’s Internal Security Strategy which aims at targeting the most urgent security threats facing Europe, such as organised crime, terrorism, cybercrime, the management of EU external borders and civil disasters.

The negociations on the "working time" Directive start again - 12 January 2011

The Communication from the European Commission on reviewing of the working time directive published on 21 December 2010, concerns the second consultation of the social partners, after the first consultation that took place during spring 2010.

19 October 2010 - Last and final comment in the Roma case, the Commission gives up

The European Commission decided to launch at the end of September, infringement proceedings against France for failure to transpose the directive on free movement of EU citizens in the EU, only if France did not propose measures for the effective transposition of the said Directive before October 15th, 2010.

19 October 2010 - A strategy for the implementation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights by the EU

The European Commission presented on October 19th 2010, its strategy for the implementation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights. This strategy is aimed at effectively implementing the Charter in all EU member States. Indeed, this Charter is supposed to be legally binding since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty. Something that is far from being done yet.

19 October 2010 - The EDPS questions the necessity and the proportionality of PNR data transfers to third countries

The EDPS welcomes the European Commission’s communication on PNR (Passenger Name Records) data which proposes to adopt a global and horizontal approach on the issue of PNR data transfers to third countries. However, the EDPS is still concerned about the necessity and proportionality of the foreseen measures.

6 October 2010 - A voluntary European quality framework for social services

The European Protection Committee encourages, through this document, the Member States and the European Union to propose a common definition of social services of general interest (SSGI) to ensure access to quality SSGI and to ensure a balanced cost-effectiveness report for social welfare services.

5 October 2010 - The European Commission presents its plan to amend the legislative framework for data protection

The European Commission unveiled its Communication for a new Data Protection Directive, which has been given the name of "A comprehensive strategy on data protection in the European Union". This Communication is intented to be the first step in revising the 1995 Directive as to meet new challenges emerging from new technologies such as social networking.

14 September 2010 - The European Commission launches an infrigement action against France for violation of EU law

The European Commission finally reacted today, Tuesday, September 14th 2010, to Roma deportations occuring in France since August 2010.

09 September 2010 - The European Parliament votes a resolution on the situation of Roma in Europe

In its resolution of September, 9th 2010, the European Parliament calls on the immediate stop of Roma deportations for France, as well as for other EU member States. This resolution, submitted by the groups S&D, Greens, GUE/NGL and ALDE, has been accepted by the MEPs with 337 for and 245 against the resolution.

25 August 2010 - The European Commission reacts to Romas’ deportations troughout Europe

After several weeks without any real reaction from the European Union after Romas’ deportations in some EU member States, the EU Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental rights and Citizenship, Madam Viviane Reding, declared "I expect that all Member States respect the commonly agreed EU rules on free movement, non-discrimination and the common values of the European Union, notably the respect for fundamental rights, including the rights of people belonging to minorities.".

3 August 2010 - The European Commission publishes the EURODAC annual report 2009

The European Commission published on August, 3rd 2010, the report of EURODAC, the database used to determine the State in charge of the examination of an asylum request under the Dublin II Regulation. One of the key figures of the report is the increase of 8% of the asylum requests made in the EU between 2008 and 2009.

18 May 2010 - The European Data protection Supervisor (EDPS) issued an opinion on the revision of FRONTEX’s mandate

On Monday, the European Data protection Supervisor (EDPS) issued an opinion on the European Commission’s proposal to strengthen the operational capabilities of the European Agency for cooperation at external EU borders, FRONTEX. The opinion focuses on the growing tasks of the agency as envisaged by the proposal and their consequences for data protection.

6 May 2010 - The European citizens’ initiative

The Lisbon Treaty introduced a new form of public participation in European Union policy shaping, called the European Citizens’ Initiative. It formalizes the participatory democracy that completes representative democracy, but it does not replace it. It enables citizens who are nationals of a significant number of Member States to directly call on the European Commission to bring forward an initiative of interest to them in an area of EU competence.

10 March 2010 - European Parliament adopts resolution on the ACTA agreement

The AEDH welcomes the adoption by the European Parliament of its resolution of 10 March 2010 on the transparency and state of play of the ACTA negotiations.

4 March 2010 - EDPS warns about the potential incompatibility of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement with EU data protection regime

The European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) adopted the opinion in which he is “concerned as regards a potential incompatibility between envisaged measures and data protection requirements” concerning the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA), secretly negotiated between different States, which includes the United States and the European Union.

March 2010 - The European Parliament resumes its work on asylum package

The European Parliament committee on civil liberties, justice and home affairs is currently working on two recast proposals, one on the 2004 “asylum qualification” directive, the other on the 2005 “asylum procedures” directive. The recast of these texts takes place within the framework of the “asylum package” aiming to harmonize Member States’ practices and to build the Common European Asylum System. Several other measures belonging to this package were adopted by the European Parliament in May 2009.

4 February 2010 - The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights has presented an issue paper on "the criminalisation of migration in Europe"

“Criminalising the irregular entry and presence of migrants in Europe corrodes established international law principles and causes many human tragedies without achieving its purpose of genuine control” said Thomas Hammarberg, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights.

3 February 2010 - The "SWIFT affair"

On 30 November 2009, the Council of the European Union has signed a temporary agreement between the EU and the USA on the processing of Financial Messaging Data from the European Union to the United States for purposes of the Terrorist Finance Tracking Program. The agreement was signed on the eve of the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty. It temporarily avoids the co-decision procedure; however its implementation, on 1 February 2010 for a 9-month duration, requires the vote of an assent by the European Parliament. The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs will be asked to give its opinion on 4 February. In case of a positive vote, the assent will be asked during the plenary session of the European Parliament, probably on 9 February.

1 January 2010 - The Programme for the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union (1 January-30 June 2010)

Spain takes on the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on January 1st, 2010.

27 November 2009 - Council of the EU : 18 month programme of the Council, prepared by the future Spanish, Belgian and Hungarian Presidencies.

This document sets out the combined programme of the Spanish, Belgian and Hungarian Presidencies covering the period January 2010 to June 2011. It is presented in two parts. The first part contains the strategic framework for the programme, setting it in a wider context, and specifically within the perspective of more long-term objectives running into the subsequent three Presidencies. The second part constitutes the operational programme setting out the issues which are expected to be covered during the 18 month period.

24 November 2009 - Commission Working Document, Consultation on the future "EU 2020" strategy

13 November 2009 - Draft report on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and the Council amending the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement and Regulation as regards movement of persons with a long-stay visa

10 November 2009 - New FRA report launched on Roma migration and freedom of movement

The Fundamental Rights Agency of the European Union (FRA) releases a new report on “the situation of Roma EU citizens moving and settling in other EU Member States”.

30 October 2009 - Presidency conclusions of the European Council (October, 29th-30th 2009)

On October, 29th and 30th, the European Council brought together the heads of State or government of the European Union. They defined the general political guidelines for the European Union.

20 October 2009 - FRA presents a new report on the housing conditions of Roma and Travellers in the European Union

The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) publishes a new report, which gives evidence that Roma and Travellers are strongly disadvantaged in private and social housing throughout the European Union. They face discrimination in access to housing, poor housing conditions, segregation, and forced evictions. Many Roma are unaware that laws exist to prohibit their discrimination. The FRA report highlights shortcomings, but also good practices across the EU.

1 July 2009 - Council of Europe: Recommendation on the implementation of the right to housing

The expression ‘right to housing’ may be considered to refer to a cluster of more specific rights related to adequate housing and living conditions but, in general terms, it may be defined as ‘the right to live somewhere in security, peace and dignity’. In this document, the commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe Thomas Hammarberg, addresses a number of recommendations to member states aimed at designing better housing policy and practice.

25 June 2009 - Publication of the work programme of the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU

In a week, Sweden takes over the Presidency of the EU. Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt presented on 23 June the work programme for Sweden’s six months in the EU driving seat. It is firstly a question of leading the EU through the financial and economic crisis, dealing with unemployment in Europe and continuing the work to tackle climate change.

24 June 2009 - The EU Fundamental Rights Agency released its annual report

The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) has released its annual report 2009. The report covers information, events and developments in the EU for the year 2008. It supplies material under the heading of ‘racism, xenophobia and related intolerance’ and adds to this, an overview of developments in a range of other fundamental rights areas, consistent with the Agency’s mandate.

12 June 2009 - Publication of the Stockholm Program

The Stockholm Programme is to define the framework for EU police and customs cooperation, rescue services, criminal and civil law cooperation, asylum, migration and visa policy for the period 2010–2014. It will replace the present programme, The Hague Programme adopted in 2004, which will expire in 2009.

9 June 2009 - Council conclusions on inclusion of the Roma

The Employment, Social policy, health and Consumer Affairs Council has adopted conclusions on inclusion of the Roma.

June, 5th 2009 - The Swedish EU Council website is now open

The Swedish EU Council Presidency website is now open.Sweden is getting set to take over the Presidency of the Council of the EU which means that from July, 1st until the end of the year, Sweden will lead the work of the EU Council. Starting today, you can follow the agenda of the Swedish Presidency on the website: se2009.eu.

June, 2nd 2009 - Publication of the Council of the Europe Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI)’s annual report

The Council of Europe’s European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) released on June 2nd, its annual activity report for 2008. This Annual Report describes ECRI’s main activities in 2008 and also highlights the main trends with regard to the presence of racism, xenophobia, antisemitism and intolerance across Europe.

May, 28th 2009 - FRA : New report examines discrimination against Muslims

The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) today released a report on discrimination against Muslims in the EU. The results for Muslim respondents indicate similarly high levels of discrimination and victimisation as for other minority groups surveyed. Many racist incidents are not reported to the police or to any other organisation. Knowledge of anti-discrimination legislation is low, and there is a lack of trust in complaints mechanisms

May, 26th 2009 - Council of Europe Commission against Racism and Intolerance: Publication of new reports on Belgium, Germany and Slovakia

The Council of Europe’s European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) released on May, 26th, three new reports examining racism, xenophobia, antisemitism and intolerance in Belgium, Germany and Slovakia. These new reports form part of a fourth monitoring cycle of the Council of Europe member states’ laws, policies and practices aimed at combating racism.

May, 25th 2009 - Council of the EU: Adoption of the "EU Blue Card"

The Council of the European Union adopted yesterday a directive aimed at facilitating conditions of entry and residence in the EU of third-country citizens for the purpose of highly qualified employment. The directive creates a fast-track procedure for issuing a special residence permit called the ”EU Blue Card”.

May, 25th 2009 - Council of the EU: Adoption of the "Sanctions directive"

The Council of the European Union adopted yesterday a directive aimed at fighting irregular immigration by prohibiting the employment of irregularly staying third-country nationals, laying down minimum common standards on sanctions to be applied in the EU member States against employers who infringe that prohibition. It follows an agreement at first reading under the Parliament-Council co-decision procedure.

May, 7th 2009 - European Parliament: Adoption of the "Asylum package"

The European Parliament has adopted during its Plenary Session in Strasbourg, on Thursday May 7th, a package of measures concerning the EU asylum system works.

April, 22nd 2009 - FRA: European Minorities and Discrimination Survey (EU-MIDIS)

The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) releases results of the first ever EU-wide survey on immigrant and ethnic minority groups’ experiences of discrimination and racist crimes.

April, 2nd 2009 - European Parliament: Adoption of the consultation report by Kathalijne Buitenweg (Greens/EFA, NL) on the “anti-discrimination” directive

On April, 2nd 2009, the European Parliament has adopted the consultation report by Kathalijne Buitenweg (Greens/EFA, NL) on the “anti-discrimination” directive put forward by the European Commission, by 360 votes in favour and 227 against. The directive is intended to reduce discrimination on grounds of religion or belief, age, disability or sexual orientation, whether direct or indirect, and whether based on real or presumed criteria.

March, 12th 2009 - European Parliament: Adoption of the report concerning the social situation of the Roma and their improved access to the labour market during the plenary session in Strasbourg

The motion for a resolution of the European Parliament concerning the social situation of the Roma and their improved access to the labour market in the EU has been adopted on March, 11th 2009 during the plenary session in Strasbourg. The report has been written by the MEP Magda Kósáné Kovács.

March, 11th 2009 - European Parliament: Adoption of the report on the future of the European Common Asylum System during the plenary session in Strasbourg

The report on the future of the European Common Asylum System has been passed on the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. This report has been written by the MEP Giusto Catania.

March, 9th 2009 - European Commission: Report on equality between women and men

At the request of the European Council, the European Commission reports each year on progress towards gender equality and presents challenges and priorities for the future. This report released on February, 27th 2009 addresses the challenges and the policy responses for removing barriers to women’s and men’s full participation in the labour market. It also addresses the importance of correcting the gender imbalance in decision-making, a major issue at a moment when it is planned to change the composition of decision-making structures at EU level.

March, 2nd 2009 - ECRI: 4th reports on racism and intolerance in Europe

The Chair of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), Ms Eva Smith Asmussen, has announced the 24th of February the release of the first three reports of ECRI’s fourth round of country monitoring work, examining racism and intolerance in Europe.

February, 27th 2009 - Council of the European Union: JHA Conclusions

The Justice and Home Affairs Council of the European Union was held on the 26th and the 27th of February in Brussels. Debates focused notably on the Second generation of the Schengen Information System “SIS II”, the creation of the European Asylum Support Office, illegal immigration in the Mediterranean region and on the implementation of e-Justice.

February, 18th 2009 - Council of Europe: Recommendation on systematic work for implementing human rights at the national level

The Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, M. Thomas Hammarberg, released on the 18th of February, a “recommendation on systematic work for implementing human rights at the national level”.

January 2009 - ECHR: annual report

July, 10th 2008 - Call on the European Parliament for the voting right of Latvian non-citizens

Join the initiative lanched by the MEP Tatjana Zdanoka to call on the EP for the voting right of Latvian non citizens

May, 28th 2008 - Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE): Report on a visit to closed detention centres for asylum seekers and immigrants in Belgium

The report, written by Giusto Catania (GUE/NGL), was adoptes on 28th May 2008 by the LIBE Committee after a long debate.

May, 16th 2008 - EDPS : 2007 annual report

The EDPS is an independent supervisory authority devoted to protecting personal data and privacy and promoting good practice in the EU institutions and bodies.
This last report resumes the third year of activities since the EDPS was created.

May, 6th 2008 - The European Parliament has been granted more power on the issue of immigration

In the case law C-133/06 opposing the European Parliament and the Council, the Court of Justice decided yesterday in favour of the European Parliament.

March, 12th 2008 - EESC: Opinion on the green paper "the future common European asylum system"

COM(2007) 301 final 12 March 2008

January 2008 - EUROPOL to become a EU agency

The Council reached political agreement on a decision establishing European Police Office, Europol for short. Once that decision is formally adopted, Europol will become a Community agency. The change of status will significantly improve the operational and administrative functioning of Europol.

January 2008 - Council of the European Union: The Slovenian Presidency

The Presidency is held by each Member State in turn for a period of six months.