It was a milestone in the EU's evolution - a binding set of essential rights for all citizens. Got a hazy idea of what your rights are? A picture is worth 1000 words!

Get the picture: Fundamental Rights

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/16484592/j005-0011-en.srt

The European Union is constantly evolving.

In 2000 Europeans  took a great step forward.

Their main fundamental rights  were strengthened and assembled.

I. Dignity.  Europeans have the right to life,

but torture, slavery and other  inhuman treatments are prohibited.

A European has the right to marry  and to found a family.

He also has the right  to education and to work.

He can choose his religion  and express himself freely.

All Europeans are equal,  whatever their culture, sex, age

Workers have the right  to fair and just working conditions.

either through negotiation  or collective action.

V. Citizens' rights.  Europeans have the right to vote.

They have the right to stand  in European Parliament elections

They may also move freely  within the Union.

They have the right to express  and defend themselves

These six essential rights were set in stone

thanks to the Charter of Fundamental  Rights of the European Union.

And in 2009 this Charter gained  the same binding force as the treaties.

Within the framework  of European legislation,

the Member States of the Union  must respect it.