How can it be ensured that EU funding is implemented in line with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union? This question was at the heart of the European dissemination event of the “ECHOFunds” project, which took place in Brussels on 3 December 2025.

The event brought together representatives of national human rights institutions, civil society organisations, European networks, and national authorities from Croatia, Greece, and Poland to discuss current challenges and practical approaches to implementing fundamental rights obligations within EU funding programmes. In total, 27 participants attended in person in Brussels, with an additional 9 participants joining online.

Key messages at a glance

The discussions clearly showed:

• Charter compliance needs a shared understanding. Many actors still interpret fundamental rights obligations differently.
• Fundamental rights must become a real funding precondition, not a box-ticking exercise.
• National human rights bodies and NGOs need meaningful roles in EU funding procedures and adequate resources to fulfil them.
• Managing authorities and beneficiaries need clear, practical guidance on how to implement Charter compliance.
• Reporting should go beyond finances and include fundamental rights compliance.

Why the project matters

The ECHOFunds project is grounded in the Common Provisions Regulation (CPR) 2021/1060, which defines compliance with the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights as a horizontal condition for EU funding. While the legal framework is in place, implementation varies widely across Member States.

ECHOFunds addresses this gap. The project strengthens dialogue between managing authorities, beneficiaries and human rights actors and supports a more consistent, human-rights–compliant use of EU funds.

What the project delivered

Project activities included a comparative research report, national workshops in Austria, Greece and Poland, EU-level online open consultation days, the European dissemination event and the development of online guidance materials.

Lessons from practice

Across countries, similar challenges emerged. Managing authorities often lack clarity on Charter obligations. NGOs and beneficiaries are frequently unfamiliar with the EU funding cycle and their role in safeguarding fundamental rights within it.

Looking ahead: the next MFF

The final discussion focused on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034. Participants agreed that human rights compliance must be embedded throughout the entire funding cycle. Stronger involvement of national human rights bodies, better resourcing and clearer responsibilities will be essential.

The event concluded with closing remarks by Katrin Wladasch, Project Coordinator of ECHOFunds and head of the programme lines Asylum and Migration as well as (In-)Equalities and Non-Discrimination at the LBI-GMR. She emphasized the need to move from formal compliance towards real impact.