Right now, EU law and the European Convention on Human Rights protect your freedom, dignity, and equality.
Most people don’t know how — or how to use them.
The European Union was built on a simple but radical promise: that every person’s dignity, freedom, and equality are non-negotiable — protected by law, not just goodwill.
This guide explains what those rights are, who protects them, and how you can use them in real situations — in plain language, with official sources linked throughout.
Read the full guide ›The 6 ideas — dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law, human rights — that define what Europe stands for.
Learn more ›A legally binding text that protects your rights whenever EU law applies — in 6 zones from dignity to justice.
Learn more ›The continent-wide baseline overseen by the Court in Strasbourg — covering all 46 Council of Europe states.
Learn more ›Petitions, Citizens’ Initiatives, Erasmus+, solidarity actions — practical ways to use your rights today.
Learn more ›