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Violence

Fundamental Rights in Europe Under Threat: EU Agency Report Highlights Grave Concerns

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights' (FRA) latest report, The Fundamental Rights Report 2025, has revealed a disturbing trend of declining fundamental rights across the EU in 2024. Threats to democracy, widespread violence against women, pervasive discrimination, and rising hate online have become increasingly prevalent. The report highlights the need for urgent action to address these challenges and ensure the protection of fundamental rights. According to the report, 1 in 3 women in the EU still experiences gender-based violence, and migrants continue to face ill-treatment at EU borders, with over 3,500 people dying or going missing at sea.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FRA report highlights the growing use of AI, disinformation, and harmful rhetoric as significant threats to free and fair elections across the EU.
  • Women in the EU continue to face widespread violence, with 1 in 3 experiencing gender-based violence.
  • Muslims, Jews, Black people, and LGBTIQ individuals face increasing levels of discrimination, hate, and racism online and offline.
  • The EU's new migration and asylum rules have failed to address the issue of rights violations at EU borders.
  • The Digital Services Act and the AI Act have the potential to curb illegal and harmful online content, but strong and consistent enforcement is necessary.
  • The FRA calls on the EU and its Member States to ensure fair, transparent, and safe elections, protect women from violence, and tackle the rise of cyberviolence.
  • The agency also emphasizes the need to tackle all forms of racism, strengthen fundamental rights safeguards at borders, and reinforce rights protection online.

Statistics:

  • 1 in 3 women in the EU experiences gender-based violence.
  • Over 3,500 people died or went missing at sea while attempting to cross the EU's borders in 2024.
  • The Digital Services Act and the AI Act are key measures to curb illegal and harmful online content, disinformation, and discriminatory algorithms.
  • The FRA report highlights the importance of strong and consistent enforcement to ensure that technology respects human rights.

Sources:

  • European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (2025) The Fundamental Rights Report 2025.
  • Quote from FRA Director Sirpa Rautio, "Fundamental rights in Europe are facing growing and serious challenges."

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