THE EUROPEAN UNION CHARTER OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS: STRENGTHENING THE PARTICIPATION IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

Abstract

This study employed legal and political analysis to assess the significance of the European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights to strengthen the democratic legitimacy of the European Union. There is a lack of comprehensive analysis of the contribution of the European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights to enhance the democratic legitimacy of the European Union. Therefore, this study tried to address the gap by focusing on specific provisions of the Charter that are designed to promote participatory democracy and to foster a closer relationship between the citizens and the European Union. The study also explored the legal challenges and complexities surrounding the interpretation, application, and balance of fundamental rights in the European Union, especially considering recent verdicts of national constitutional courts and their implications for the role of the European Court of Justice. The study aims to identify potential benefits of the Charter, such as improving the relationship between the EU and its citizens and strengthening the European Union’s legal system and legitimacy by safeguarding citizens’ fundamental rights.