2011 Report on the Application of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights

Two years after the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty [2009], the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (the ‘Charter’) has become a point of reference commonly used in the development of EU policies. The Charter is of great interest not only to EU institutions but also to the general public: according to a recent Eurobarometer survey two-thirds of respondents across the EU are interested in learning more about their rights as enshrined by the Charter (66%), where to go if they feel that these rights have been violated (65%) and when the Charter applies and when it does not (60%).This report aims to address this wish to be better informed about the Charter. It reviews progress in ensuring the effective implementation of the Charter and highlights important developments in 2011. The annexed document (I) provides detailed information on the application of the Charter by all EU institutions and Member States and illustrates concrete problems faced by individuals. Progress in the implementation of the Strategy for equality between women and men (2010-2015) is presented in a separate annex (II).