The European Union is founded on core values that transcend borders: respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights, including those of minority groups. These principles are enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and reinforced by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, these principles are more than ideals—they are commitments that the EU and its Member States are obligated to uphold.
At Milieu, we are dedicated to making fundamental rights a lived reality across Europe. Over the years, we have contributed to this goal by delivering in-depth reports and legal analyses to the European Commission and the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA). Our work provides valuable insights into the state of fundamental rights in the EU.
Fundamental rights define minimum standards to ensure everyone is treated with dignity. The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) plays a crucial role in upholding these principles by providing expert advice to EU institutions and Member States on the implementation of Union law.
The FRANET, FRA’s multidisciplinary research network, composed of expert contractors from each Member State and candidate country, is mandated to provide critical data and insights on various fundamental rights’ issues. Between 2014 and 2022, Milieu led the Hungarian FRANET Framework Contract, making a significant contribution to FRA’s work through expert legal and policy analysis.
Under the 2018-2022 Framework Contract, Milieu produced over 40 reports on pressing fundamental rights concerns, including:
- Asylum and migration-related fundamental rights’ concerns;
- Anti-Muslim hatred;
- Severe labour exploitation;
- The fundamental rights’ impact of the COVID-19 pandemic;
- Anti-racism efforts in policing;
- Procedural safeguards in European Arrest Warrant proceedings;
- The fundamental rights’ implications of the war in Ukraine from an EU perspective.
Through our work, we continue to support evidence-based policymaking that strengthens fundamental rights protections across Europe.
In its Communication A new, modern Multiannual Financial Framework for a European Union that delivers efficiently on its priorities post-2020, the European Commission reaffirmed that the EU is a community built on law and shared values. These values form the foundation of the EU’s legal and institutional framework, influencing all policies and programmes. Ensuring compliance with these values is crucial for sound financial management and the effective use of EU funding.
Additionally, in the Strategy to strengthen the application of the Charter of Fundamental Rights in the EU (the Charter Strategy), the Commission emphasised the importance of ensuring that all EU-funded projects comply with EU law, including the Charter of Fundamental Rights (the Charter).
To support this objective, Milieu has contributed to a study aimed at developing high-quality learning materials on the Charter of Fundamental Rights, with a specific focus on creating a Manual on Fundamental Rights in EU Funding. This manual will serve as a valuable source for national managing authorities responsible for implementing EU funding under the Common Provisions Regulation. It will also assist other public and private stakeholders involved in the programming process, such as local authorities, national human rights’ institutions, fundamental rights’ bodies, and civil society actors.
Unlawful activities, such as corruption or fraud, can occur in any organisation, and if left unchecked, can cause serious harm to the public interest. Whistleblowers, individuals who report such misconduct, play a crucial role in exposing these violations and ensuring compliance with EU law. To encourage reporting and prevent retaliation, it is essential to establish strong legal protections for whistleblowers.
Protecting whistleblowers also supports their right to freedom of expression, as outlined in Article 11 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. Directive (EU) 2019/1937 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2019 on the protection of persons who report breaches of Union law sets minimum EU-level standards, guaranteeing a high level of balanced and effective protection for persons reporting on breaches of rules.
EU Member States were required to transpose the Directive into their national legal frameworks by 17 December 2021. To support this process, Milieu conducted a legal compliance check across all EU Member States, assessing whether national laws aligned with the Directive’s requirements.
Milieu’s research and legal analysis directly contributed to the European Commission’s report on the implementation of the Whistleblower Protection Directive, providing valuable insights into transposition challenges and best practices across the EU.