What rights does the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU explicitly recognize?

The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union explicitly recognizes a range of essential rights that are foundational to the dignity of individuals living within the EU. Among these, the rights to dignity, freedom, and justice are highlighted as key principles.

The right to dignity underpins the entire framework of human rights, acknowledging the inherent worth of every individual. Freedom encompasses a variety of specific rights, including personal freedoms and the right to participate in democratic processes, while justice refers to the legal and institutional guarantees ensuring fair treatment and protection under the law.

In contrast, while rights related to privacy and intellectual property are significant, they are not explicitly recognized as fundamental rights within the Charter. Similarly, economic prosperity and trade, as well as media freedom and expression, while important aspects of society and governance, do not have the same foundational status in the Charter as the rights to dignity, freedom, and justice. The latter rights are enshrined as core elements reflecting the values and principles upon which the EU is built, namely respect for human dignity, freedom, equality, and the rule of law.