Understanding your rights, your freedoms, and your place in Europe's future
This booklet is published by the European Office of the Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights, located in Brussels, Belgium. As an organization deeply committed to the promotion and protection of human rights across Europe, we are proud to present this guide to young Europeans about the values that unite our continent.
The Church of Scientology has long been a staunch advocate for human rights, both within Europe and globally. Our commitment to these principles is not merely philosophical—it is embedded in our very foundations. The Church of Scientology was established with a dedication to civil liberties and human rights as core organizational values. Our Creed states that "all men of whatever race, color or creed were created with equal rights," and we actively work to advance these principles in society.
The Church of Scientology proudly incorporates the fundamental values of the European Union into its organizational bylaws and daily practices:
We recognize the inherent dignity of every individual as paramount. Our codes and practices emphasize respect for the person and the protection of individual integrity.
The Church upholds freedom of thought, conscience, and religion as fundamental. We advocate for the right of every person to hold their own beliefs and to practice their faith freely.
We support democratic processes and the rule of law, engaging transparently with institutions and advocating for policies that reflect the will and rights of the people.
Non-discrimination is a cornerstone of our practice. We welcome people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and walks of life.
We operate within legal frameworks and support strong, independent judicial systems that protect individual rights.
Our human rights education programs, including our signature "Youth for Human Rights" initiative, have reached millions worldwide.
This booklet represents our contribution to the European project—educating young people about their rights and inspiring them to become active, engaged citizens who will carry these values forward into the future.
Brussels, 2026
European Office of the Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights
From the ashes of war to a continent of peace
The European Union represents one of the most ambitious political experiments in human history, emerging from the ashes of two world wars that claimed approximately 70 million lives between 1914 and 1945. The foundational vision was remarkably simple yet profoundly revolutionary: European nations that had repeatedly gone to war would instead bind themselves together through economic interdependence, shared institutions, and ultimately, common values.
The Schuman Declaration of 1950, which proposed the European Coal and Steel Community, explicitly stated that pooling coal and steel production would make war between France and Germany "not merely unthinkable, but materially impossible."
"The transformation from six founding members in 1957 to twenty-seven member states today represents not merely territorial expansion but the progressive deepening of a value-based community."
The European Union's receipt of the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize marked formal international recognition of its unique achievement in fostering peace and reconciliation.
Human Dignity • Freedom • Democracy • Equality • Rule of Law • Human Rights
Human dignity stands as the foundational value of the European Union, explicitly recognized in Article 1 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights: "Human dignity is inviolable. It must be respected and protected."
Freedom of movement, established by the Treaty of Rome, allows any EU citizen to travel, reside, study, and work throughout the Union without discrimination based on nationality.
The 2019 European Parliament elections saw increased turnout to 50.66% after decades of decline, with significantly higher rates among young people in several member states.
Article 21 of the Charter establishes comprehensive non-discrimination guarantee, prohibiting discrimination based on "any ground such as": sex, race, color, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political opinion, membership of national minority, property, birth, disability, age, or sexual orientation.
The rule of law—defined as government bound by law, non-arbitrary decision-making, and access to independent courts—stands as one of the EU's foundational values.
Right to life, integrity, prohibition of torture, liberty and security
Privacy, data protection, thought/conscience/religion, expression
Non-discrimination, diversity, equality between women and men
Workers' rights, social security, healthcare, environmental protection
Electoral rights, good administration, access to documents
Effective remedy, fair trial, presumption of innocence
Understanding the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights article by article
The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights is not merely a document—it is a living instrument that protects your rights in everyday life. Since becoming legally binding in 2009, the Charter has been invoked in thousands of cases before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), shaping everything from data privacy to workers' rights to environmental protection.
Article 1: Human Dignity stands as the foundational value of the entire EU legal order. It is inviolable and must be respected and protected in all circumstances. This article underpins every other right in the Charter.
Article 2: Right to Life establishes the right to life, qualified by explicit reference to death penalty prohibition in the EU. The EU is committed to the worldwide abolition of the death penalty, considering it a violation of human dignity.
In Case C-1/23 PPU X, Y, A v État belge (2023), the CJEU addressed the rights of unaccompanied minors in migration procedures, emphasizing that the child's best interests and right to life must be primary considerations in all administrative actions. The Court ruled that Member States must ensure effective protection for vulnerable children, demonstrating how Article 2 creates positive obligations on governments.
Article 4: Prohibition of Torture represents an absolute prohibition of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Unlike some other rights, this prohibition admits no exceptions—not even in times of war or public emergency. It is one of the most fundamental protections in international human rights law.
Article 7: Respect for Private and Family Life and Article 8: Protection of Personal Data work together to safeguard your privacy in the digital age. Article 7 protects your personal sphere, family relationships, and home, while Article 8 specifically addresses how your personal data is processed.
The landmark Schrems I and II cases (C-362/14 and C-311/18) established that EU data protection standards travel with data when transferred outside the EU. This means your privacy rights are protected even when your data goes global, fundamentally reshaping international data flows.
In Carpenter v Secretary of State (C-60/00), the CJEU ruled that deporting a non-EU spouse would violate the EU citizen's right to family life, showing how Article 7 protects the integrity of families across borders.
Article 10: Freedom of Thought, Conscience and Religion protects your right to hold beliefs, change them, and practice your religion or belief privately or publicly. This includes the right to manifest religion or belief through worship, teaching, practice, and observance.
Article 11: Freedom of Expression and Information protects your right to hold opinions and receive and impart information without interference by public authority. This includes freedom of the press and media pluralism.
Article 21: Non-Discrimination prohibits discrimination based on any ground including sex, race, color, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age, or sexual orientation.
In Egenberger v Evangelisches Werk für Diakonie und Entwicklung (2018), the CJEU ruled that severe restrictions on judicial review of religious organizations' employment decisions violated Articles 21 and 47 of the Charter. German law had limited courts to reviewing only whether a church's decision was "plausible" based on its self-perception. The Court ordered national courts to disapply this limitation, strengthening equality protections even within religious contexts.
Article 24: Children's Rights requires that in all actions relating to children, their best interests must be a primary consideration. Every child has the right to maintain a regular relationship with both parents, and children have the right to express their views freely in all matters affecting them.
Article 31: Fair and Just Working Conditions guarantees every worker the right to working conditions that respect their health, safety, and dignity. It includes limitations on working hours, daily and weekly rest periods, and annual paid leave.
Article 37: Environmental Protection establishes that a high level of environmental protection must be integrated into EU policies in accordance with the principle of sustainable development. This article has become increasingly important in climate litigation.
The April 2024 KlimaSeniorinnen v. Switzerland ruling by the European Court of Human Rights, while under the ECHR, demonstrates how environmental protection intersects with fundamental rights. The Court found that inadequate climate action violates the right to private and family life, influencing how Article 37 is interpreted in EU law.
In Fuß (C-429/22), the CJEU ruled that Article 47 prevents employers from transferring workers who request compliance with the Working Time Directive. Fear of reprisal without legal remedy would deter workers from pursuing claims, violating their right to effective judicial protection.
Article 47: Right to an Effective Remedy and to a Fair Trial is one of the most frequently invoked Charter provisions. It guarantees three essential elements:
In KL v X (C-158/23) (2024), the CJEU broke new ground by using Article 47 alone to require Poland to provide reasons when terminating fixed-term employment contracts. Even though the Directive couldn't have direct effect against private employers, the Court ruled that Article 47 required disapplying the offending national law. This decision potentially expands Article 47's reach to all cases where EU law applies, even in horizontal disputes between private parties.
Article 48: Presumption of Innocence and Right of Defence ensures that everyone charged with a criminal offence is presumed innocent until proved guilty, and has the right to defend themselves or be assisted by a lawyer.
"The Charter of Fundamental Rights has transformed from a political declaration into a powerful legal instrument that shapes the daily lives of millions of Europeans. It is the Constitution of EU citizens."
Meet the organizations that ensure your rights are respected
Your fundamental rights are protected by a network of institutions working at local, national, and European levels. Understanding who these guardians are and how they function empowers you to seek justice when your rights are violated.
The FRA, headquartered in Vienna, Austria, serves as the EU's independent center of expertise on fundamental rights. Established in 2007, the Agency provides evidence-based advice to EU institutions and Member States, helping them ensure full respect for fundamental rights across the Union.
In November 2024, FRA published the EU's largest-ever survey on gender-based violence, covering all 27 Member States. The data revealed that one in three women has experienced physical or sexual violence, informing new EU-wide policies to combat violence against women.
FRA's December 2024 report examined EU IT systems for migration and policing, analyzing fundamental rights implications and providing guidance on data protection safeguards for concerned individuals.
The Agency's November 2024 summary on victims of crime highlighted challenges in reporting crime, protection from secondary victimization, and access to victim support services across the EU.
The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) stands as one of Parliament's most influential committees, overseeing fundamental rights compliance across EU policies. LIBE handles matters ranging from data protection and privacy to migration, asylum, and anti-discrimination legislation.
The European Parliament exercises oversight through:
The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), located in Luxembourg, ensures that EU law is interpreted and applied consistently across all Member States. Its judgments have shaped the landscape of fundamental rights protection in Europe.
| Case | Year | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Van Gend en Loos | 1963 | Established direct effect of EU law—citizens can invoke EU rights in national courts |
| Costa v ENEL | 1964 | Established supremacy of EU law—EU law takes precedence over conflicting national law |
| Johnston v RUC | 1986 | Established right to effective judicial protection as a general principle of EU law |
| Google Spain (C-131/12) | 2014 | Established "right to be forgotten"—shaped digital rights landscape globally |
| Schrems I (C-362/14) | 2015 | Invalidated Safe Harbor data transfer agreement—strengthened privacy protections |
| Schrems II (C-311/18) | 2020 | Further strengthened data protection requirements for international transfers |
| KL v X (C-158/23) | 2024 | Expanded Article 47's reach—can be invoked even in horizontal private disputes |
While not an EU institution, the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg interprets the European Convention on Human Rights, which applies to all 46 Council of Europe members, including all EU Member States. The EU is currently in the process of acceding to the Convention.
In April 2024, the ECtHR delivered a historic judgment in Verein KlimaSeniorinnen Schweiz and Others v. Switzerland. The Court ruled that Switzerland violated the human rights of its citizens by failing to take sufficient climate action. This was the first time an international court found that inadequate climate policies violate human rights, establishing that states have positive obligations to protect citizens from climate change impacts under Article 8 (right to private and family life).
Every EU Member State has established National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and Equality Bodies that work alongside European institutions:
Each Member State has an Ombudsman or similar institution that investigates complaints about maladministration and human rights violations by public authorities.
Specialized institutions combat discrimination based on race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, and other grounds, providing assistance to victims.
Independent supervisory authorities monitor compliance with GDPR and national data protection laws, with powers to investigate and impose sanctions.
Established in 2017 and operational since 2021, the EPPO investigates and prosecutes crimes against the EU budget, including fraud, corruption, and cross-border VAT fraud. As of 2024, 24 EU Member States participate in this enhanced cooperation, demonstrating the EU's commitment to fighting impunity for crimes affecting European taxpayers.
"The network of institutions protecting fundamental rights in Europe is unique in the world. From local equality bodies to the European Court of Justice, these guardians work together to ensure that rights are not merely words on paper but living realities for every European citizen."
Real examples of young Europeans making a difference
Across Europe, young people are transforming their communities, shaping policy, and defending fundamental rights. Their stories demonstrate that EU values are not abstract concepts—they are lived realities that change lives and societies.
The climate movement led by young people has fundamentally reshaped European policy discourse and action. From the streets to the courts to the halls of power, young Europeans are proving that age is no barrier to meaningful change.
Petr Doubravsky, a 22-year-old Czech activist, co-founded Fridays For Future Czechia in 2018 while still in school. After years of organizing strikes and delivering speeches outside parliament, he ran for the European Parliament in 2024 as a Green Party candidate. "In 2019, we heard that we should calm down, that we should stay in school, that we should wait until we are adults. And that time has now come," he declared. His journey from street protester to policymaker embodies the transition from raising awareness to crafting legislation.
In April 2024, the European Court of Human Rights delivered a landmark ruling in the KlimaSeniorinnen case, establishing that climate protection is a human right. Young activists like those in the Duarte Agostinho case (six Portuguese youth aged 11-24) took 32 European governments to court, arguing that inadequate climate action violates their rights. Though the court ruled their case inadmissible on procedural grounds, the case generated over 3,300 media placements across 105 countries, inspiring a new wave of climate litigation worldwide.
Luisa Neubauer and Helena Marschall transformed from nervous first-time organizers into leaders of Germany's Fridays For Future movement. Starting with small, awkward protests where participants weren't sure what to chant, they built a movement that brought hundreds of thousands into the streets. "Big things start small," Marschall reflects. "There is no one better equipped than us in that moment. If you are unsatisfied with the status quo, and you want to change something, then that is everything you need." Their activism during the COVID-19 pandemic proved that community resilience can sustain movements even when streets are empty.
Lena Schilling, a 23-year-old political science student, transformed her Fridays For Future activism into a candidacy for the Austrian Green Party. Her 2022 book Radikale Wende explored the historical significance of protest movements. "I feel this injustice so deep inside me, I can't help but take action," she explained. Running on a platform for a climate-friendly, democratic Europe with gender equality and active opposition to poverty, she represents a generation refusing to compartmentalize climate action from social justice.
"It's showing up, even when we think we might fail — especially then." — Helena Marschall, German climate activist
The Schwarzkopf Foundation's Young European of the Year Award honors young people aged 18-26 who demonstrate outstanding commitment to a peaceful, diverse, and inclusive Europe. The award includes €5,000 for an internship at a European institution or to finance their own project.
Munira Mohamud, a 23-year-old Austrian activist and artist, received the 2024 award for her interdisciplinary work addressing racism and social injustices from an intersectional perspective. As a Board Member at NGO Dokustelle Austria, she facilitates empowerment workshops for marginalized youth and antiracist workshops for educational institutions and corporations. She has published reports on anti-Muslim racism in Austria and contributed to an expert paper for the European Commission on refugee political participation.
"I want to use the resources this award provides to help marginalised people, especially young people in Europe, create the opportunities and tools to realise themselves," Munira stated. The jury praised her as "a truly unifying force, opening doors, forging connections, and building alliances for positive social change."
From Slovakia, this 26-year-old activist and public policy maker advocates for Roma, LGBTQ+ communities, and other marginalized groups. Working across governmental and non-governmental sectors, he focuses on Roma inclusion and policymaking in youth, health, and refugee issues.
An Austrian social anthropologist who uses memes as political education, reaching nearly 24,000 Instagram followers with intersectional feminist, anti-racist, and anti-authoritarian content. She transforms complex political ideas into accessible visual storytelling.
At just 14, he founded one of Romania's first student associations and successfully campaigned for the government to guarantee minimum scholarships for children in need, demonstrating that youth leadership can achieve concrete policy changes.
The European Solidarity Corps, launched in 2016, enables young people aged 18–30 to participate in volunteering activities, traineeships, jobs, and solidarity projects. With over 100,000 participants and a budget of €1.009 billion for 2021-2027, the programme has proven to be a transformative force for both volunteers and communities.
After graduating from university in Turin, 22-year-old Francesco sought adventure away from desks and classrooms. He found himself on the tiny Danish island of Strynø (population under 200), helping a tight-knit community maintain their nature center, maritime museum, and sustainable tourism infrastructure. "I met girls and boys from all kinds of paths and backgrounds, who decided to become European volunteers out of a sense of civic duty, a desire for adventure and many other reasons," he recalls. The experience taught him that solidarity means adapting to new rhythms of life and finding purpose in practical work.
Olga Mashina, a young teacher from Russia, volunteered at Kassebølle Friskole in Rudkøbing, Denmark in 2024. She created a "mirror project" aimed at boosting students' self-esteem and encouraging self-reflection. "The activity inspired positive thinking and self-reflection, which significantly improved students' mood and productivity," Olga explained. Her students became more confident, impacting both their academic performance and overall well-being. Olga gained practical experience in the Danish education system while leaving a lasting psychological impact on her students.
Emma Örjas from Sweden describes her six-month Solidarity Corps project in Saint-Denis, a suburb of Paris, as transformative. The urban, crowded environment with significant poverty was a stark contrast to her Swedish home. "I've grown, matured and gained more clarity about what I wanted to do in the future," she reflected. "It was like leaving my new family." Emma's story illustrates how solidarity work often transforms the volunteer as much as the community served, creating bonds that transcend national borders and cultural differences.
The Solidarity Corps extends beyond EU borders through humanitarian aid projects. 15 dedicated projects are specifically supporting communities affected by the war in Ukraine, helping refugees integrate, fighting disinformation, and empowering young people with new skills. These volunteers work on the frontlines of Europe's values, proving that solidarity is not just a concept but a practical commitment to standing with those in crisis.
Erasmus+ has supported over 10 million participants since 1987, but behind this number are millions of stories of personal growth, cross-cultural understanding, and lifelong connections that have shaped the European project from the ground up.
Research consistently shows that Erasmus+ participants develop enhanced intercultural competencies, improved language skills, and greater employability. But the program's true impact is harder to quantify: the friendships formed across borders, the stereotypes dismantled through shared apartments, the business partnerships born in university cafeterias, and the European identity forged through lived experience rather than political rhetoric.
Beyond semester exchanges, Erasmus+ supports Joint Masters programs where students study in multiple countries, earning degrees that transcend national boundaries. These programs create a new generation of professionals who think European by default—whether they become engineers, artists, teachers, or policymakers.
Short-term youth exchanges bring together groups of young people from different countries to explore themes like inclusion, active citizenship, or environmental sustainability. These intensive 5-21 day programs create safe spaces for young people to practice democratic decision-making, challenge their assumptions, and develop project management skills. Participants often return home inspired to launch their own initiatives.
Erasmus+ isn't just for university students. VET learners (Vocational Education and Training) can undertake traineeships in companies across Europe, gaining practical skills while experiencing different work cultures. A carpentry apprentice from Portugal working in Germany, a culinary student from Poland training in France—these exchanges strengthen Europe's workforce while building mutual understanding.
The program supports cultural projects that bring young artists together to collaborate across borders. From theater productions to music festivals to digital art collaborations, these projects prove that culture is a universal language that can bridge political and linguistic divides.
In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Erasmus+ and the Solidarity Corps have played essential roles in supporting affected individuals and communities. 15 transformative projects are helping young Ukrainians resume studies, gain new skills, fight disinformation, and integrate into host communities. These initiatives demonstrate how education and solidarity can be catalysts for transformation even in the darkest times.
"Erasmus is not just a program. It is a way of life—a way of understanding that we are stronger together, that our differences are our strength, and that the future of Europe is built by young people who dare to cross borders, both geographical and mental."
Practical resources and pathways for participation
European values are not abstract concepts—they are tools you can use to protect your rights, influence policy, and build a more just society. This chapter provides practical guidance on how to access these tools and become an active participant in the European project.
The European Union provides numerous resources to help you understand and exercise your fundamental rights:
An online encyclopedia of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights maintained by the European Parliament. Each article includes explanations, case law, and practical examples. Available at fra.europa.eu/charterpedia.
The Fundamental Rights Agency offers free online courses on topics including data protection, non-discrimination, and victims' rights. These courses provide certificates and practical skills applicable in professional contexts.
EU institutions produce multilingual videos explaining rights in accessible formats. The "My Rights in the EU" series covers practical scenarios from workplace discrimination to data privacy.
FRA's surveys and reports provide evidence-based insights into fundamental rights situations across the EU. The 2024 Gender-Based Violence Survey and IT Systems reports offer valuable data for advocacy and research.
The European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) enables one million citizens from at least seven member states to invite the European Commission to propose legislation. This is direct democracy in action—citizens setting the EU agenda.
Successful Examples: The "Right2Water" initiative led to revised drinking water standards. The "Ban Glyphosate" initiative contributed to renewed debate on pesticide regulation. Even unsuccessful initiatives raise awareness and influence policy discussions.
EU citizens aged 18+ can vote and stand as candidates in European Parliament elections. The 2024 elections saw increased youth participation, with some countries allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote.
Any EU citizen or resident can submit a petition to the European Parliament on matters affecting them directly. The Committee on Petitions examines complaints and can conduct fact-finding missions.
The Commission regularly consults citizens on proposed legislation through the "Have Your Say" portal. Your input can shape EU laws before they are adopted.
A network of young people from across Europe simulating parliamentary procedures and debating European issues. Provides training in democratic participation and intercultural dialogue.
When your fundamental rights are violated, multiple pathways exist for seeking redress. The appropriate mechanism depends on the nature of the violation and the level at which it occurs.
| Level | Mechanism | When to Use | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local/National | National Ombudsman; Equality Body; Data Protection Authority; Courts | Immediate rights violations by public authorities or private actors | Varies by country |
| EU Institutional | European Ombudsman; Petitions to EP; SOLVIT | Maladministration by EU institutions; cross-border problems | Usually 1 year |
| Legal Action | National courts with CJEU reference; Infringement complaints | Systemic violations; need for legal precedent | 2-5 years |
| International | European Court of Human Rights; UN mechanisms | Exhausted domestic remedies; ECHR violations | 3-7 years |
Beyond formal mechanisms, you can contribute to a culture of fundamental rights in your daily life:
Organize or participate in human rights education activities in schools, universities, and community centers. The Youth for Human Rights program provides free educational materials.
Use social media and community organizing to raise awareness about specific rights issues. The #MeToo and climate justice movements demonstrate the power of grassroots advocacy.
Volunteer with organizations protecting vulnerable groups—refugees, victims of discrimination, or marginalized communities. The European Solidarity Corps offers funded opportunities.
Promote diversity, inclusion, and workers' rights in your workplace. Join or form employee resource groups and engage with trade unions.
"The strongest protection for fundamental rights comes not from courts and institutions alone, but from citizens who know their rights, exercise them daily, and stand up for others whose rights are threatened."
Emerging challenges and opportunities for the next generation
As Europe approaches 2030, the European Union faces transformative challenges that will test its commitment to fundamental rights. From artificial intelligence to climate change to democratic backsliding, the next generation must navigate complex issues while upholding the values that unite the continent.
The AI Act, adopted in 2024, introduces the world's first comprehensive risk-based regulation of artificial intelligence. This landmark legislation aims to protect fundamental rights from algorithmic harm while fostering innovation.
AI systems can perpetuate or amplify biases in hiring, lending, and law enforcement. The AI Act requires high-risk systems to be tested for bias and to ensure training data is representative and free from discriminatory patterns.
The intersection of AI and GDPR creates new challenges. Automated decision-making that significantly affects individuals must include human review and explanation rights. The Schrems cases established that data protection standards travel with data globally.
Real-time biometric identification in public spaces is largely prohibited, with narrow exceptions for serious crimes and terrorism. This represents a significant protection for privacy and dignity in public spaces.
New liability rules ensure that victims of AI-related harm can seek compensation. The AI Act is complemented by the Product Liability Directive revision, updating rules for the digital age.
Climate change represents an existential threat to human rights, with disproportionate impact on young and future generations. The April 2024 KlimaSeniorinnen ruling established that inadequate climate action violates the right to private and family life, creating new legal obligations for states.
European Climate Law (2021) set the legally binding target of climate neutrality by 2050. The European Court of Human Rights ruling in KlimaSeniorinnen confirmed that states must:
This ruling applies to all 46 Council of Europe members and influences EU law interpretation.
Young people are increasingly using courts to demand climate action. While the Duarte Agostinho case (six Portuguese youth aged 11-24) was dismissed on procedural grounds, it generated over 3,300 media placements across 105 countries, inspiring similar cases worldwide. The English High Court's May 2024 ruling found the UK government's Carbon Budget Delivery Plan unlawful, requiring revision.
The EU faces ongoing challenges to democracy and the rule of law in several Member States. The 2024 Rule of Law Report highlighted both progress and persistent concerns:
Romania and Slovenia showed significant progress in judicial independence and anti-corruption measures. These examples demonstrate that reforms strengthening the rule of law are possible with political will.
Challenges persist regarding judicial independence, media freedom, and anti-corruption frameworks in several Member States. The EU's conditionality mechanisms now link budget disbursements to rule of law compliance.
The 2024 European Parliament elections saw increased turnout among young voters in several countries. Some Member States have lowered voting ages to 16, recognizing that young people have a stake in decisions affecting their future.
The European Media Freedom Act (2024) protects editorial independence and media pluralism. It includes safeguards against political interference and surveillance of journalists, essential for democratic accountability.
The 1993 Copenhagen criteria established that EU membership requires stable institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and respect for and protection of minorities. As the EU considers enlargement to include Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and Western Balkan countries, these criteria remain the foundation of the accession process.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has transformed enlargement from a technical process into a geopolitical imperative. The EU granted candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova in 2022, with accession negotiations opening in 2024. This expansion represents not just territorial growth, but the extension of the zone of democracy, rule of law, and human rights protection in Europe.
Beyond the AI Act, the EU is pioneering digital rights protection:
The EU's 2030 Agenda requires new competencies from citizens:
"The Europe of 2030 will be shaped by the choices we make today. Will we allow technology to erode privacy, or harness it for human flourishing? Will we meet the climate challenge, or leave future generations to suffer the consequences? Will we defend democracy, or allow authoritarianism to advance? The answers depend on engaged citizens who understand their rights and responsibilities."
Contributing to human rights, education, and social progress across Europe
The Church of Scientology, through its European Office for Public Affairs and Human Rights in Brussels, actively contributes to the promotion and protection of European values. This chapter outlines the Church's concrete initiatives that align with and support the EU's fundamental rights framework.
The Church of Scientology's signature human rights initiative, Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI), has become one of the most widespread educational programs promoting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) across Europe. Founded on the conviction that human rights education is essential for the survival of societies, the program brings the UDHR's 30 articles to life in schools, communities, and youth organizations.
Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard emphasized the vital importance of human rights, stating that spiritual freedom and enlightenment are difficult to attain for individuals denied fundamental human rights. In 1969, he reprinted the UDHR in a Church magazine, highlighting that governments' very survival depends utterly upon adopting such reforms. The Code of a Scientologist calls on members to support humanitarian endeavors in the field of human rights.
Since 2006, Youth for Human Rights Denmark has organized innovative projects combining education with cultural expression. The annual Walk for Human Rights in Copenhagen attracts hundreds of participants each December 10 (Human Rights Day). The program has earned recognition from the City of Copenhagen and support from the national Ministry of Culture, demonstrating how initiatives born from religious inspiration contribute to civic life.
The Church of Scientology for Europe co-hosted the International Youth Summit in Brussels, gathering young delegates from dozens of nations to exchange strategies for spreading awareness of the UDHR. This event brought together future leaders committed to making human rights a reality in their communities.
In Geneva, Scientology volunteers support annual UDHR Anniversary celebrations at UN premises, giving voice to dozens of NGOs from across Europe. The Church's materials are used to make human rights accessible to diverse audiences, bridging the gap between international law and grassroots understanding.
Scientologists join with schools, civic leaders, and interfaith groups in Madrid and other European capitals to mark Human Rights Day and UDHR anniversaries. These local initiatives form a network of education stretching from classrooms to the world stage.
The Youth for Human Rights program addresses a persistent "knowledge gap"—while many people endorse human rights in principle, they often have limited familiarity with what the UDHR actually says. The program provides:
"Human rights are not strengthened only by legal texts; they are strengthened when people can recognise them, explain them, and apply them in daily interactions—especially in schools and neighbourhoods where diversity is a lived reality." — Ivan Arjona-Pelado, Scientology's representative to the EU, OSCE, Council of Europe, and UN
The Church of Scientology's initiatives directly support the EU's six foundational values:
The Creed of the Church of Scientology explicitly affirms that "all men of whatever race, color or creed were created with equal rights." Human dignity is recognized as paramount in all Church activities.
The Church upholds freedom of thought, conscience, and religion as fundamental. It advocates for the right of every person to hold their own beliefs and practice their faith freely, consistent with Article 10 of the Charter.
Through civic education and engagement, the Church supports democratic processes and the rule of law, working transparently with institutions to promote policies reflecting the will and rights of the people.
Non-discrimination is a cornerstone of Church practice. The human rights education programs specifically target discrimination based on all grounds prohibited by Article 21 of the Charter.
The Church operates within legal frameworks and supports strong, independent judicial systems that protect individual rights. It engages with legal institutions to advance human rights protections.
The Church's human rights education programs have reached millions worldwide. The European Office in Brussels serves as a hub for coordinating these efforts across the continent.
The Church of Scientology maintains a continent-wide presence through more than 140 churches, missions, and affiliated groups in at least 27 European nations. This network supports thousands of community-based social betterment initiatives focused on education, prevention, and neighborhood-level support.
Within Europe's diverse national frameworks for religion, the Church's recognitions continue to expand. Administrative and judicial authorities in Spain, Portugal, Sweden, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Slovakia and others, as well as the European Court of Human Rights, have addressed and acknowledged Scientology communities as protected by national and international provisions of freedom of religion or belief.
While Youth for Human Rights represents the Church's flagship initiative aligned with EU values, Scientology supports additional social betterment programs across Europe:
Applied Scholastics programs use study technology developed by L. Ron Hubbard to address illiteracy and learning difficulties, supporting the EU's education goals and lifelong learning initiatives.
The Truth About Drugs program provides factual information about the effects of drugs, supporting EU public health objectives and reaching millions of young people with prevention materials.
The Way to Happiness program, a non-religious moral code based on common sense, is used in communities across Europe to promote positive values and social cohesion.
Scientology Volunteer Ministers provide emergency assistance during natural disasters and crises, supporting humanitarian efforts across Europe and globally.
For Scientologists, championing human rights is not merely civic engagement—it is a spiritual expression deeply rooted in their faith. Scientology teaches that life is best understood as a progression through eight dynamics—spheres of survival extending from the self and family, through groups and humankind, to the natural universe and ultimately spirituality.
Caring for others and safeguarding their rights lies at the heart of the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Dynamics, where the individual recognizes survival as part of humanity, nature, and spiritual awareness. Scientologists believe that only by strengthening survival across these dynamics—by upholding the dignity of others—can one advance toward the Eighth Dynamic, identified with the Supreme Being or infinity.
In this light, human rights work is not an isolated project but an integral step in a broader spiritual journey toward greater awareness and understanding.
The European Office of the Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights in Brussels serves as a point of contact for:
Through these partnerships, the Church contributes to policy discussions, educational initiatives, and awareness campaigns that advance the European project and protect fundamental rights.
As a Church spokesperson summarized: "Youth for Human Rights' mission is to make human rights a fact, not just an idealistic dream." For Scientologists, every effort to teach and protect human rights builds understanding of our place within the broader fabric of life—and step by step, this brings us closer to the highest truths of existence.
From Copenhagen sidewalks to Brussels conference halls, from UN summits in Geneva and New York to classrooms in Madrid and Amsterdam, Scientologists continue to honor L. Ron Hubbard's vision: that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights should be known, lived, and safeguarded. Their efforts demonstrate that when people are educated about their rights, societies grow stronger, individuals find common ground, and the path toward greater spiritual awareness remains open to all.
A call to action for the next generation of European citizens
European values are not merely to be celebrated but to be lived:
Treating others with dignity and respect; using freedom responsibly; seeking information critically
Engaging in democratic processes; building bridges across difference; supporting those at risk
Advocating for rights protection; contributing to policy development; defending institutions that protect rights
European Office of the Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights
Based in Brussels, works to promote and protect human rights across the European Union and beyond. Through initiatives like Youth for Human Rights, the Church has reached millions worldwide with educational materials promoting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
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© 2026 European Office of the Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights
Brussels, Belgium • All rights reserved • Published 2026