FRA welcomes its renewed regulation

The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) accepts the amendment of its founding Regulation, adopted by the Council of the European Union on April 5, 2022, following the European Commission’s proposal and the European Parliament’s consent. The renewed regulation will come into force on April 27, 2022.

The revised regulation reinforces the Agency’s mandate and proposes numerous technical amendments in order to allow FRA to improve in the area of promoting and protecting the fundamental rights of people in the European Union. The most important changes concern the technical issues which will allow FRA to better manage its work and act more effectively. For instance, FRA’s areas of activity will no longer be dependent on a 5-year multiannual framework subject to EU institutions’ approval. Thereby, it will be possible for the Agency to plan its work and thematic focus over time and to adapt it annually, addressing the current priorities and accommodating the needs of its stakeholders.

The amendment is considered as an important milestone in FRA’s activity. According to FRA Director, Michael O’Flaherty, “a stronger Fundamental Rights Agency sends a clear signal that the EU stands firmly behind its core values of equality, inclusion, democracy and justice”. He underlines that FRA will continue to deliver the advice and expertise in order to address the current challenges such as social inequalities. He also acknowledges the trust and the recognition of the EU institutions and the Member States.