right on

Right On meets citizens across Europe who are fighting for their rights. The spotlight falls on a range of subjects, from the respect of basic freedoms to the protection of consumers, with experts also providing valuable insights.

Protection Orders

10/06 11:09 CET
Leave me in peace!

It is an issue that is increasingly coming under the spotlight: what to do about stalking, harassment and similar forms of violence. For the victims it is a tough battle dealing with the psychological trauma, but also seeking legal protection. It can be a problem…
10/06 11:08 CET
UK testing new ways to offer protection from violence

There is increasing pressure on countries around the world to improve…

Key facts about EU-wide protection orders

- An order issued in one EU nation will be valid in all Member States
- MEPs have just passed a Regulation for orders made under civil law
- A European Protection Order for criminal law matters already exists
- EU states will have until January 2015 to apply the new regulations
- A Victims' Directive on minimum rights has already been passed

Useful links:

Fundamental Rights

27/05 11:18 CET
What about my rights?

The respect of our basic rights has become a top priority for many Europeans, and something that was supposed to strengthen those freedoms was the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, which came into force in 2009. But is it just words on paper, or something that really…
27/05 11:17 CET
‘Guardians’ of EU rights also bound by charter

European citizens are being reminded that the European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights, which came into force in 2009, is not just legally…

The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights:

- Became legally binding on EU states in December 2009
- Is divided up into articles within six different categories
- Covers dignity, freedom, citizens, equality, solidarity & justice
- Applies when EU states implement European law or policy
- Must be respected by all institutions of the European Union
- Complements but does not replace other rights treaties

Useful links:

Citizenship Report

13/05 11:12 CET
I'm European but...

What does being a European citizen mean? How many closed doors do we still encounter if we want to have our rights respected in Europe? These are just some of the questions the second European Citizenship Report sets out to answer. Nathalie Stockwell, the European…

Some of your rights as a European citizen:

- Move and reside freely within the EU
- Not to be discriminated against on the grounds of your nationality
- Right to vote and stand as a candidate in municipal and European Parliament elections
- Right to be assisted by another EU country’s embassy or consulate outside the EU, if your country is not represented
- Right to petition the European Parliament
- Organize or support, a citizens' initiative to call for new EU legislation

Useful links:

Freedom of movement

29/04 10:39 CET
Save me from bureaucracy

It is one of those things almost guaranteed to make our heads spin: getting bogged down in official bureaucracy and paperwork. Using public documents such as birth certificates can often be at the heart of the problem, as they are essential to prove who we are. And…
29/04 10:34 CET
EU reform against red tape avoids thorny issue

A new regulation just announced by the European Commission aims to cut back on the red tape and bureaucracy that citizens and businesses face…