EN | Commemorating the proclamation of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights | 09/12/2025 |

Commemorating the proclamation of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights

The 25th anniversary of the Charter of Fundamental Rights offers a crucial moment to reaffirm its enduring role as the cornerstone of fundamental rights protection in Europe. Hosted by the Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats, this event will serve as a vital political reflection on the importance of the Charter’s implementation and enforcement across the EU, especially at a time when the rights, freedoms, and principles enshrined in the Charter, face increasing challenges. It will feature representatives from EU bodies, civil society, and national parliaments, coming together to assess and reflect rigorously on the Charter’s impact within the EU legal framework, notably considering that the Parliament is currently negotiating the Report on the EU Charter implementation for which Alessandro Zan is the rapporteur and that Ana Catarina Mendes was rapporteur for the Report on the Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law Report. Discussions will focus on safeguarding fundamental rights amid evolving social, political, and technological challenges, emphasising the need for unwavering commitment to justice, equality, human rights and the rule of law in Europe.

16.00 to 16.15: Keynote speech - Introductory remarks

President of the S&D Group, Iratxe García Pérez
European Parliament President, Roberta Metsola
16.15 to 16.35: Opening and Welcome

LIBE vice-chair, Alessandro Zan
S&D vice-president, Ana Catarina Mendes
16.40 to 17.10: PANEL 1 | The Charter 25 years later

Former member of the European Parliament, Pervenche Berès
Director of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), Sirpa Rautio
Senior Advocacy Advisor at the Civil Liberties Union for Europe (Liberties), Kersty McCourt,
17.15 to 17.45: PANEL 2 | For a true Union of fundamental rights

Secretary of the Partito Democratico party, Elly Schlein
Secretary General of the Partido Socialista, José Luís Carneiro
Danish Presidency (TBC)
17.50 to 18.00: Closing Remarks

Commissioner Michael McGrath