"The EU and human rights: a new era under the Lisbon treaty?" - OSI report

14 June, Brussels. The OSI commissioned a study on the implications of the Lisbon Treaty for OSI and identifies new opportunities to advance society goals by using the new legal framework, in particular the Charter of Fundamental Rights. The report highlights that the Lisbon Treaty is very important for human rights advocates. The Charter of Fundamental Rights is now binding and creates the opportunity to expand fundamental freedom, wherever EU law is involved. The EU institutions have gained more power to prevent violation of individual rights. Foreign policy will change in the way it operates due to the new post of High Representative for Foreign Policy and the External Action Service, but EU countries are not obliged to have the same foreign policy. Not only the institutions, but the Court of Justice also sees its powers increase which became stronger than the European Court of Human Rights to protect human rights and individual freedoms. The rules to challenge EU law in national courts have under the treaty been relaxed for individuals and organizations. Furthermore the treaty allows national parliaments to block new laws and citizens to request legislation from the Commission.

To read the report click here.