Fundamental rights in the EU: democracy, equality and civic space under strain

Continued threats to judicial independence and parliamentary oversight in several EU countries

Threats also to media freedom and EU journalists’ safety

Concerns over lack of respect of asylum rights at EU external borders

MEPs warn of mounting pressure on democracy, civic space and fundamental rights, including in managing migration and gender-based discrimination.

The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs adopted its latest report on the situation of fundamental rights in the EU, covering 2024 and 2025, with 41 votes in favour, 19 against and 9 abstentions.

MEPs warn that fundamental rights in the Union are increasingly under strain, citing democratic backsliding, shrinking civic space, rising hate speech and violence against minorities, and renewed attacks on women’s and LGBTIQ+ rights. They stress that the values enshrined in Article 2 TEU and the Charter of Fundamental Rights must be upheld in all EU policies and fully implemented by the member states.

Democracy, civic space and social rights under pressure

The report points to continued threats to judicial independence, misuse of spyware, high-level corruption and weakening parliamentary oversight in several EU countries. MEPs call for the consistent use of tools to protect the EU’s values and budget, demand progress in ongoing Article 7 procedures, and reiterate their call for a comprehensive EU mechanism on democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights.

The report also highlights threats to media freedom and journalists’ safety, condemns violence and intimidation against media professionals, and urges full implementation of the European Media Freedom Act and anti-SLAPP rules. Parliament warns of increasing levels online hate speech, foreign interference, and digital manipulation, particularly in elections.

MEPs also stress that rising poverty, homelessness and housing exclusion must be addressed as fundamental rights concerns. They call for stronger protection of environmental rights and a just transition that safeguards social cohesion.

Fundamental rights at borders and systemic discrimination

The report raises serious concerns about fundamental rights violations at borders, including practices of stopping asylum seekers and forcibly returning them without carrying out individual assessments. MEPs stress that migration management and the implementation of the Migration and Asylum Pact must fully respect fundamental rights and the principle of non-refoulement.

MEPs express deep concern about shrinking civic space, including the criminalisation and intimidation of NGOs and human rights defenders, particularly those working with migrants and refugees. They call for sustainable and independent EU funding for civil society organisations.

The report also addresses structural racism across the Union, for example by calling on the Commission and the member states to prohibit racial profiling and discriminatory practices and highlighting the disproportionate exposure of racialised communities to pollution, environmental degradation, and climate risks. MEPs reiterate the need for a Horizontal Anti-Discrimination Directive and for stronger enforcement of existing EU anti-discrimination law.

Women’s rights and LGBTIQ+ equality

MEPs strongly condemn backsliding on women’s rights and LGBTIQ+ equality, calling for robust action against gender-based violence and hate crime. The report reiterates the importance of protecting sexual and reproductive health and rights and strengthening safeguards against discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation and gender identity.

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Rapporteur Anna Strolenberg (Greens/EFA, NL) said: “In a world marked by geopolitical instability, fundamental rights are too often dismissed as politically inconvenient. With today’s vote, we proved otherwise: the European Parliament does not compromise on Europe's values. Even in times of crisis, we show unity where it matters most. If Europe wants to lead, it must lead by example.”

Next steps

The report is expected to be tabled for a vote in plenary during the sitting of 25-26 March in Brussels.