EU Rights

Every year, millions of people across Europe become victims of crime. Too many still don’t know where to turn for help. That’s why the #EyesOpen campaign is travelling across Europe with a simple message: recognise victims, listen without judgement and help them find the support they need. Thousands of people have already joined us. And the journey isn’t over. 📍 Next stop: Rome 🇮🇹 On 21 September, #EyesOpen is coming to Rome. If you’re around, come and join us and take part in the #EyesOpen challenge. 👁️ Because every victim deserves to be heard, protected and supported. Keep your eyes open. 🔗 Find out more in the first comment↓

The first ever Commission’s evaluation of the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) is now available. Today, we published the first ever evaluation of the EPPO conducted in accordance with the Regulation, assessing how the Regulation has been implemented and how effectively the EPPO has operated so far. The EPPO started its operations in 2021. The evaluation finds that, in five years, EPPO has: 🔹 established a new, well-functioning and effective EU-level framework to investigate and prosecute crimes affecting the EU budget;  🔹 delivered substantial EU added value by uncovering, investigating and prosecuting cases that Member States acting alone may have missed or not effectively investigated, and by enhancing the speed and effectiveness of cross-border investigations;  🔹 used its resources efficiently, despite resource constraints;  🔹 adapted to evolving needs, thus remaining very relevant in a changing environment. The report also identifies areas where further improvements could strengthen the system, including aspects that depend on Member States. These findings contribute to the Commission's ongoing review of the EU anti-fraud architecture, in which the EPPO plays a particularly important role. Read the evaluation report ↓

Europeans have ideas all the time, but ideas can only make a difference when they’re shared. 💬 That’s where you can come in. As part of the European Democracy Shield, 150 citizens from across all 27 EU Member States are meeting today to explore how we can safeguard democracy against threats like information manipulation, polarisation, and falling public trust. Your voice matters too. If you’ve ever thought about how our democracies could be strengthened, now is your chance to make your voice heard. 🗣️ You have ideas. Make them count. 🔗 Check the link in the comments.

The future of biometrics in home affairs was the main topic of the workshop organised by CERIS and the European Association for Biometrics earlier this week.   The workshop focused on the operational use of biometrics in border management, crime prevention, counter-terrorism and disaster response. Through live demonstrations and scenario-based discussions, law enforcement professionals and security practitioners explored with innovators challenges related to AI, digital identity manipulation and real-world deployment.   Among the topics was the use of biometrics in degraded environments — situations where biometric systems are used outside stable or well-resourced conditions. Participants examined what happens when biometric data is difficult to capture, assess, exchange or use reliably, and reflected on what is needed to ensure that systems remain useful, safe and appropriately limited when such conditions cannot be avoided.   The workshop also highlighted the importance of reinforcing European technological sovereignty in biometrics, ensuring compliance with EU law, and improving the trust in biometric technologies. #SecurityEU

Europe’s future is also where you double tap, swipe, scroll and shop. 🌐 It’s #SOTEU week, and our hobby is adding young people’s comments to the big debate. At our Youth Policy Dialogue, Annouk asked for a safe space to explore the internet, and fairness for everyone exposed to practices such as dark patterns. Hearing from young people matters.   Stay tuned for #DigitalFairnessAct

🇪🇺 Democracy. Rule of law. Fundamental rights. Digital fairness. In her #SOTEU address, President Ursula von der Leyen set out priorities at the heart of our work. 🛡️ Protecting our democracy as disinformation and foreign interference seek to divide us and erode trust in our democratic fabric and free media. ⚖️ Respecting the rule of law and fundamental rights, which must remain front and centre, including when it comes to EU funds. ♀️ Defending women’s rights and continuing to stand up for equal treatment, equal opportunities and equal pay. 📱 Tackling addictive design and protecting people online, with a wider framework through the Digital Fairness Act, to be proposed this autumn. Times may change, technologies may change, but our values do not. In Europe, people will always come first. Read President von der Leyen State of the Union address in the original version below, and in all other EU languages here ↓

Europe’s migration policy is delivering results, said President Ursula von der Leyen in her State of the Union speech today.   Illegal border crossings are down 55% over the past two years. The Pact on Migration and Asylum is now being implemented, sharing responsibility and solidarity among all Member States.   But challenges remain. The crisis in Ceuta is a reminder that vulnerable people are still being exploited by traffickers and smugglers. That is why the European Commission have proposed sanctions targeting criminals.   In her speech, President von der Leyen underlined: “We will always comply with our values and fundamental rights, but never compromise on protecting our borders.”   Europeans decide who comes to the EU - not the smugglers and the traffickers. This is why the EU will continue strengthening the work with Frontex, especially to speed up returns.   🔗 Read the full speech here: https://lnkd.in/ezE7AnjW #SOTEU

Today, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, delivers the State of the Union address, setting out priorities for the year ahead. And at the heart of it all: democracy. #SOTEU

Standing up for equality, freedom and the rights of others takes courage 🌈🇪🇺 Géza BUZÁS-HÁBEL, Managing Director of the Diverse Youth Network, works to bring Roma, LGBTQ+ and other marginalised communities together and make their voices heard. He has long helped organise Pécs Pride, the only Pride march held outside Budapest, standing up for equality and the freedom of peaceful assembly. His story is one of the people shaping Europe’s future. 🇪🇺 📺 Watch the State of the Union 2026 live today, from 09:00 to 11:50 CEST. 🔗 Livestream link in the comments ↓

We have a watching party...  ...and you’re invited! 📺🇪🇺 President von der Leyen takes the floor for #SOTEU2026 tomorrow. For democracy, equality, consumer rights and justice, today is more than a look at where Europe stands. It is also a first glimpse at the priorities that can shape the months ahead. Last year, the European Democracy Shield moved from a SOTEU priority to a concrete Commission initiative in just 63 days. Today’s priorities can become tomorrow’s action. 🔎 So watch closely 16/09, 9:00 CEST. Link in the comment!