Network of fundamental rights experts - European Commission

A network of independent experts to assess the safeguarding of fundamental rights by the European Union Member States.

In September 2002 a network of independent experts in fundamental rights was set up. The network consists of one expert per Member State and is headed by a coordinator. Its objective is to ensure a high degree of expertise in relation to each of the Member States and the European Union as a whole. Each year the network produces a report on how fundamental rights are safeguarded in practice . It may also give opinions on specific questions upon the request of the European Commission. European citizens can also send information on the safeguarding of fundamental rights in the Union to the network or the European Commission.

The network of fundamental rights experts was created by the European Commission in response to a recommendation in the European Parliament's report on the state of fundamental rights in the European Union (2000) (2000/2231(INI)).

Three main tasks

The network's tasks are as follows:

• To draft an annual report of the state of fundamental rights in the European Union and its Member States, assessing the application of each of the rights set out in the European Union's Charter of Fundamental Rights.
• To provide the Commission with specific information and opinions on fundamental rights issues, when requested.
• To assist the Commission and the Parliament in developing European Union policy on fundamental rights.

An annual report to assess the real protection given to fundamental rights

The annual report assesses the situation of fundamental rights on the basis of an analysis of the legislation, the case-law and the administrative practice of the national authorities of the Member States and in the institutions of the Union.

The objectives of the report are as follows:

• To inform the institutions of the state of play regarding fundamental rights in all the Member States;
• To make recommendations to the institutions based on the information gathered to promote the safeguarding of fundamental rights;
• To add to the pool of experience by producing a list of measures to be presented as good practice.

Available in English and French, the report is sent to the Commission in March each year.

Thematic Comments

Each annual report also comprises a Thematic Comment, which examines in greater depth one or more areas selected by the Commission and the European Parliament.

Available in English and French, the special survey is sent to the Commission in March each year.

Country reports

The synthesis report prepared on an annual basis by the Network is based on 25 country reports prepared by the individual members of the Network, as well as on the report on the situation of fundamental rights in the practices of the institutions of the Union, prepared by the coordinator.

The national reports drafted by each network expert are available either in English or in French on the website of the Interdisciplinary Research Cell in Human Rights (CRIDHO).

Opinions on specific questions

The network of independent fundamental rights experts may be called on to deliver an opinion on specific questions raised by the Commission. These opinions may be consulted on this website.