Promoting Fundamental Rights through Charter Use in Society (FOCUS)

FOCUS aims to raise public awareness of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (CFREU) and help young people, experts and the general public to use it more effectively.

What is the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union? 

The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (CFREU) is a document that outlines the fundamental rights and freedoms that everyone in the EU is entitled to. These rights include dignity, freedoms, equality, solidarity, citizens’ rights, and justice. The Charter ensures that these rights are protected and respected by the EU institutions and member states.
Despite the charter’s importance, many citizens are still unaware of the scope of their rights and how they can be applied in real-life situations. Therefore, the FOCUS project aims to build public awareness of the Charter and its value, and the capacity of key stakeholders for its broader application.

EYP’s Mission for the FOCUS project: 

Empower young Europeans to understand, engage with, and advocate for the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (CFREU) through targeted capacity-building, social media content, publications, call for proposals and other strategic initiatives.

The European Youth Parliament, along with four other European organisations, will carry out a transnational project focusing on four main areas:

  • Media Capacity Building: Enhancing media capacity to highlight the impact of the Charter.

  • Expert Discourse: Facilitating expert discussions on the application of the Charter.

  • Sub-national Application: Promoting the use of the Charter at the sub-national level.

  • Youth Engagement: Encouraging participatory engagement with the Charter among young people, which is the focus of the EYP.

How to Get Involved:

National Committee Project Fund: YouthRights Dialogue Proposals 

National Committees are invited to submit proposals to organise a YouthRights Dialogue event in their country. Proposals should outline the objectives, activities, and budget plan for the event, with abudget of around 800 – 1200 euros. This event is meant to be part of a session or training event you are already organising in your country, ensuring it integrates seamlessly into your existing agenda. Alternatively, you can organise it as an independent event if feasible.

You can find more information about the Call for Applications here in this PDF.

What is the YouthRights Dialogue? 

The YouthRights Dialogue is an opportunity for National Committees of the European Youth Parliament to engage young people in discussions and activities centred around the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (CFREU). By organising a YouthRights Dialogue event, you can provide a platform for youth to explore, discuss, and advocate for fundamental rights issues relevant to the National Committee.

Ready to Take Action? 

Step up and advocate for fundamental rights and youth participation in your country! Apply with your idea for a YouthRights Dialogue here.

Here you can download the Call for Applications.
PDF — 549 KB

Share your idea for a YouthRights Dialogue

Apply here!

Future Activities

  • Presidents Summit 2024 

    • This annual training event brings together the Presidents of the EYP National Committees. During the summit, the Presidents engage in knowledge exchange on topics such as organisational management, outreach, and strategic development. The event is designed to ensure that the Presidents of the network have a support system of individuals who are taking on similar roles in NGO management. Additionally, it serves as a networking event, where participants can get to know their international peers and plan for cooperation between their organisations.
    • The EYP Presidents’ Summit 2024 will be hosted in Kraków by EYP Poland from the 19th to 22nd September 2024. This year’s participants will engage in modules aimed at enhancing their knowledge of European Institutions and the European Court of Human Rights decision-making process, prompting reflection on human rights challenges, the complexities of balancing rights, and the implications of legal decisions on individuals and society as well as increasing understanding about the challenges faced in the practical application of the Charter.

  • Understanding Europe

     
    Understanding Europe, a European network for Peer Education, will collaborate with the FOCUS project to build youth capacity and awareness around the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Through a course manual, a series of training events and workshops, Understanding Europe aims to empower young people to engage more effectively in local, national, and European democratic participation.

  • Stay tuned for updates on these exciting initiatives! 

Partners

Contact persons

  • Anne Flotho-Liersch

    Climate Youth Action Plan & Sustainability and Alumni