European Parliament Report Raises Concerns on Human Rights Across the EU

Human Rights Research Center
4 hours ago
2 min read

Author: Ana Budeanu

May 6, 2026

HRRC acknowledges the efforts of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to establish clear rules that guarantee the application of the principles outlined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, with the aim of protecting the rights of citizens. We call on Member States to take similar measures, should they have the resources to do so.

MEPs voted on a concerning report on fundamental rights across EU [Image source: lamoncloa.gob.es]

On April 29, 2026, during a plenary session, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) reviewed the state of human rights across the European Union (EU). Their findings highlighted a range of problems, such as: fundamental rights violations, democratic backsliding, political interference in the judiciary, shrinking civic space, threats to media freedom and journalists’ safety, and attacks on women’s rights and LGBTIQ+ equality.

MEPs expressed concern that differing national interpretations of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights have resulted in uneven and inadequate application. Among the most pressing issues identified were the ill-treatment of migrants and asylum seekers at EU borders, election manipulation, gender-based violence, hate crimes and discrimination, corruption and poverty.

In light of these challenges, MEPs called for the full implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, a set of laws created in order to harmonize migration and asylum rules across EU, effective enforcement of the Digital Services Act and the AI Act, a complementary set of rules to support a safe and transparent digital space, stronger action against structural racism, and the adoption of the Horizontal Anti-Discrimination Directive, a proposed EU law designed to create a uniform and comprehensive protection against discrimination.

Glossary

Asylum Seekers: Individuals who have left their home country and are seeking international protection in another country due to a fear of persecution or serious harm.
Civic Space: The environment that enables people and groups (such as NGOs and activists) to participate in the political, social, and economic life of their society.
Corruption: The abuse of entrusted power for private gain which can include bribery and embezzlement among others.
Democratic Backsliding: A gradual decline or reversal in the quality of democracy or the rule of law within a country.
Election Manipulation: Interference with the process or outcome of an election to produce a desired result.
Enforcement: The act of compelling observance of or compliance with a law, rule, or obligation.
European Parliament: The only directly elected institution of the European Union, representing the citizens of the EU.
Fundamental Rights: The basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the European Union.
Hate Crimes: Criminal acts motivated by bias or prejudice against a particular group, such as those based on race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Interference: Any action taken by one entity to influence or obstruct the affairs of another.
Judiciary: The branch of government responsible for interpreting the law and administering justice.
Manipulation: The act of controlling or influencing someone or something in a clever or unscrupulous way.
Structural Racism: A form of racism that is embedded as normal practice within society or an organization.

References

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European Parliament Report Raises Concerns on Human Rights Across the EU

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