Accession of the European Union to the European Convention on Human Rights

Good news for the European institutions! On 29 September 2020, the EU and the Council of Europe resumed negotiations on the Union’s accession to the European Convention on Human Rights. It protects the rights of millions of Europeans and is the basis of common values such as the rule of law and democracy. Therefore, “the EU’s accession to the Convention, which is a legal obligation under the Treaty of Lisbon, will further strengthen the protection of human rights in Europe.”

It is also a step in the right direction for the staff of the European organisations and institutions, who will be able, from now on, to assert their rights and ensure that administrations apply these rights for all, thanks to the international scrutiny to which the EU will be subjected. In addition, every citizen will be able to challenge the EU’s actions before the European Court of Human Rights. “In these difficult times, the resumption of these crucial negotiations sends a strong signal about the commitment of our two organisations, and our member states, to the fundamental values that we cherish.” according to the Council of Europe. Finally, according to the representatives of Union Syndicale of the European institutions and, in particular, of the executive agencies, the start of 2020 is a source of hope for the defense of staff rights.

Find here more information about the accession of the European Union to the European Convention on Human rights.