Human rights should be at the heart of the European project

According to Stefano Rodotà, the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, declared in 2000, demonstrates that "economic logic alone is not sufficient to give legitimacy to the EU, but that, to the contrary, the European constitution must be founded on the promotion of Human Rights. Resistance mounted by Poland and England to the Charter's integration into the future European constitutional treaty, tells us that it's here where the fundamental battle for the future of Europe will be fought. The Charter, as the first declaration of rights in the third millenium, presents a challenge to conservative attitudes. On the European path, it could be the mold for democracy. ... Even if its application isn't yet mandatory, the Charter is already, since 2001, a mandatory reference in all European legislation. The fact that it was rejected only makes its application more urgent for everyone."

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