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European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (EU/FRA)

Opened on 1 March 2007, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) is a body of the European Union (EU) based in Vienna. 

The Agency provides the relevant institutions and authorities of the Community and its Member States when implementing Community law with assistance and expertise relating to fundamental rights in order to support them when they take measures or formulate courses of action within their respective spheres of competence to fully respect fundamental rights.

Geographical Scope:

The Agency focuses on the situation of fundamental rights in the EU and its 27 Member States. Candidate Countries and countries which have concluded a stabilization and association agreement with the EU can be invited to participate following a special procedure.

Areas of Activity:

The fundamental rights referred to in Article 6(2) TEU, as reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights, are the point of reference for the mandate of the Agency. The thematic areas of activity will be laid down in a Multi-annual Framework to be adopted by the Council of the European Union, upon a proposal of the European Commission and after consulting the European Parliament. The thematic areas must include the fight against racism, xenophobia and related intolerance.

Tasks:

Information and data collection and analysis:

  • Collect, analyze and disseminate objective, reliable and comparable information on the development of fundamental rights in the EU;
  • Develop methods and standards to improve the quality and comparability of data at EU level;
  • Carry out and encourage scientific research and surveys. Co-operation with civil society and awareness-raising:
  • Raise public awareness of fundamental rights;
  • Promote dialogue with civil society; establish a network through a Fundamental Rights Platform.

Advice to EU Institutions and Member States:

  • Formulate and publish conclusions and opinions to the EU institutions and the Member States when implementing Community law;
  • Publish an annual report on fundamental rights in the EU, and thematic reports based on its research and surveys, also highlighting examples of good practice regarding fundamental rights.