Is the European Union Taking Human Rights Seriously?

From public service broadcasting to the collection of our personal data, farmers’ subsidies to the extradition of criminal suspects, the range of issues that the European Union (EU) regulates is vast. But what is there to prevent the EU from creating laws that endanger our rights such as free speech, privacy, or a fair trial? The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union lists the rights that the EU is legally obliged to respect whenever it takes action. In 2010 Viviane Reding, Vice-President of the European Commission announced the adoption of a fundamental rights strategy, according to which “the Commission will verify that all EU laws are in compliance with the Charter at each stage of the legislative process.” Here to read more.