This is a concise and accessible introduction to fundamental rights in Europe from the perspectives of history, theory and an analysis of European jurisprudence. Key features include: • A combination of historical and philosophical approaches with analysis of significant legal cases • A multidisciplinary outlook, in contrast to the strict legal approach of most textbooks on the subject • A European perspective which refers throughout to central European values such as freedom, equality, solidarity and dignity

This book examines the European system for the protection of fundamental rights. The aim is to identify the constitutional dynamics that occur as a result of the interaction between state and transnational human rights standards. Fabbrini compares the European system with the US federal system based on four case studies.

Human rights are much talked about and much written about, in academic legal literature as well as in political and other social sciences and the general political debate. This book argues that the universality of basic human rights is one of the values of the concept of rights. It points out the risk of a certain “inflation” caused by the current habit of talking so much and so often about human rights and of using them as a basis for claims of various kinds. These rights, their understanding and interpretation may need to become more “purist” to ensure that universal human rights as a concept survive. Another chapter concentrates on the analysis of the frames of “EU protected human rights” from the perspective of effective implementation. Further, the book not only deals with the complicated relations between the EU and international law, but also seeks to show the horizontal effect. To that end, the fears and hopes of the member states and interest groups are categorized and commented on. Lastly, the gaps in theory and practice are addressed, current trends related to implementation are pointed out, and suggestions are made concerning how to make the best out of the Charter.

With the spotlight on Magna Carta and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen the existence of similar fundamental rights documents in other European countries is often overlooked. Such fundamental rights documents did, however, exist in the precursors to the current European Union Member States.

This book provides an analysis of key approaches to rule of law oversight in the EU and identifies deeper theoretical problems.

The first book to examine the creation and function of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency.

Procedural review is increasingly a means of deciding European fundamental rights cases; this book explores its practical potential and limitations.

The book gives insight into the structures and developments of the fundamental rights protection in Europe which is effective at the levels of the national Constitutions, the European Convention of Human Rights and, for the EU member States of the EU Fundamental Rights Charter. The contributions of renowned academics from various European countries demonstrate the functional interconnection of these protection systems which result in an increasing convergence. Basic questions are reflected, such as human dignity as foundation of fundamental rights or positive action as a specific form of equality as well as the concept of rights convergence. In this latter contribution the forms of direct reception of a different legal order and of the functional transfer of principles and concepts are analyzed. Particular reference is made to the EU Charter, the United Kingdom Human Rights Act as well as to France and Germany. It becomes obvious how important interpretation is for the harmonization of national and conventional fundamental rights protection. Traditional institutional approaches like the dualist transformation concept in Germany are functionally set aside in the harmonization process through constitutional interpretation. Specific studies are dedicated to the field of the EU Fundamental Rights Charter and to the European impacts on the national fundamental rights protection in selected countries such as the “new democracies” Poland, Romania and Kosovo as well as more traditional systems such as Spain, Italy, the Nordic countries or Turkey.

The second edition of The EU Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights: A Commentary provides an article-by-article summary of the TEU, the TFEU, and the Charter of Fundamental Rights, to reflect the latest developments in the law since publication of the first edition in 2019. It offers a quick reference to the provisions of the treaties, how they are interpreted and applied in practice, and to the most important legal instruments enacted on their basis. The fully-updated Commentary considers key developments in all areas of EU law, including the debates and requirements around the Rule of Law, legal decisions in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change measures such as the European Green Deal, as well as recent changes to the Common Agricultural Policy. It also includes significant court rulings on freedom, security and justice, migration and asylum, as well as issues relating to freedom of movement and Brexit. The new edition outlines the Digital Markets Act, a major piece of legislation adopted in 2022 and contains significant updates on EU competition law in the light of new Regulations and Guidelines. Written by a team of contributors drawn from the Legal Service of the European Commission and from academia, the Commentary offers expert guidance to practitioners and academics seeking fast access to the Treaties, secondary law, and current practice. The Commentary follows a set structure, offering a short overview of the Article, the Article text itself, a key references list including essential case law and legislation, followed by a structured commentary on the Article. The editors and contributors combine experience in practice with a strong academic background and have published widely on a variety of EU law subjects.

The remarkable volume collects essays and studies on the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and its application. Its aim is to offer a series of contributions, made by distinguished scholars and legal experts, on the Charter considered as a living legal instrument, with a view to understanding whether, five years after its entry into force and fifteen years after its first proclamation, it is being taken seriously, and whether its use and effective impact within the legal orders and practice of the European Union and Member States can realistically improve in the coming years.The contributions are structured and organized around three main themes, “The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights as a Legal Instrument: General Issues”, “The Charter and Social Rights”, and “Assessing the Legal Impact of the Charter at the National Level”. Scholars and experts participating in the book have conducted, under the supervision of its editor, extensive and in-depth analysis on the many issues raised by each of these themes. The result is a fascinating and varied collection of essays that combines high academic quality with great practical usefulness.