By Martin Banks - 18th March 2010
We have to respect the charter
Viviane Reding
The commission has revealed that member states will be compelled to produce an annual report on how they are applying the EU charter of fundamental rights.
Speaking in Brussels on Thursday, EU commission vice president Viviane Reding said, "The charter must be applied not just by the commission but also by member states."
Reding, who also has the dossier for justice, fundamental rights and citizenship, said there would be a "zero tolerance" approach to violations of the charter.
"As part of this, member states will be required to produce an annual report on application of the charter," she said.
Under the Lisbon treaty, the charter has become legally binding while the creation of Reding's portfolio is seen as sending a clear signal about its political importance.
Reding, who was addressing a European Policy Centre briefing, said the commission will also conduct regular impact assessments to ensure that "all EU policies fall into line with the charter."
The commission veteran said,"We have to respect the charter. It is an integral part of all that we do – the compass of all EU policies."
"When it comes to the charter, we have come on a long, long journey to arrive where we are. Now is the time to stop the discussion and put things into practice."
The entire commission, she said, will go to the European Court of Justice on 3 May "to give a solemn oath on the charter. This is designed to show that it is the basis of all our work."
It was Reding's first major speech since taking up her new post.
Now into her third term as a commissioner, she outlined her priorities over the next five years, saying she wanted to reduce "obstacle and barriers" in family and contractual law plus criminal matters.
She also pledged legislation on data protection and divorce and added, "Justice for citizens will be my mantra for the next five years."
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