Nyt Europa and the European Civic Forum are pleased to invite you to a high-level conference focused on the state of fundamental rights and the rule of law within the European Union. This event will provide an opportunity to assess the current legal landscape and human rights situation across Europe in the aftermath of the recent European Parliament elections.
Civil society across the EU has raised concerns about alarming trends threatening essential freedoms, including the right to bodily autonomy, freedom of expression, and freedom of assembly. We are observing intensified debates around democratic participation, questioning whether activism is being framed as a risk to democracy. In parallel, there is increasing politicization of the role of civil society, particularly in its function as a guardian of democracy.
These challenges have been thoroughly documented by organizations such as the European Civic Forum and the Fundamental Rights Agency, which have issued reports highlighting the urgent need for action, particularly in safeguarding the rights of ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.
This conference will spotlight these fundamental rights challenges and foster discussions on how we can better protect our rights, and strengthen both national and international legal frameworks. A key focus will be on how the newly appointed European Commission will prioritize these issues. Together with civil society organizations, legal experts, and other key stakeholders, we aim to collaboratively explore strategies for addressing democratic challenges and safeguarding fundamental rights across the EU.
15.00: Opening by Lone Loklindt, chair of Nyt Europa – on strengthening fundamental rights, and the work of Art of Fundamental Rights.
15.10: Keynote by Vera Jourova, vice-president of the EU Commission Values and Transparency
15.15: The state of the European democracy, fundamental rights and rule of law and demands for the new EU Commission.
Panel: Alexandrina Najmowicz, director European Civic Forum, Sonia Horonziak, from Institute of Public Affairs (Poland), Amma Asare-Nyako, director Sabaah (Denmark), Kim Umans, director of ENAR, Morten Kjærum (Former director of FRA)
15.50: Political discussion: What to expect from the new EU Commission?
Discussion MEP
Kira Marie Peter Hansen (Greens) + TBC
16.45: Expectations from the Council – the work of the Polish presidency
16.55 End – Network and small reception