Enshrines certain political, social, and economic rights for EU citizens and residents into EU primary law. The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union was introduced by the Treaty of Lisbon and is therefore binding on member states and as the same legal value as the EU Treaties.

The Charter's six main titles cover the following rights: dignity, freedoms, equality, solidarity, citizens' rights and justice.

The EU institutions must respect the rights written into the Charter, as must member states when they implement the EU's legislation. The Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) ensures that the Charter is applied correctly, for example, when interpreting EU law, the CJEU may refer to the Charter or find laws inconsistent with the fundamental rights. The incorporation of the Charter does not alter the EU's powers, but offers strengthened rights and greater freedom for citizens. For example, the recognition of rights under the solidarity title (such as workers' rights to information and consultation, right of collective bargaining, fair and just working conditions) is a step towards better protection of workers.

Poland and the Czech Republic have been given special arrangements regarding their application of the Charter.

The EU has also acceded to the European Convention on Human Rights in its own right.