The EU-funded project RIGHTSCITIES is based on the observation that the implementation of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights at the local level still needs to be strengthened. It therefore aims to raise awareness of the importance of the Charter in cities, support local actors in building the necessary capacities, and promote the “Human Rights City” approach as a framework for implementing fundamental and human rights at the local level. The Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Fundamental and Human Rights (LBI-GMR) was a key project partner.

The international final conference “Bringing Fundamental Rights Home” took place on 17 March 2026 in Gdańsk. It focused on the role of cities in promoting and implementing fundamental and human rights locally and brought together representatives from city administrations, international organisations, and academia. Discussions addressed both the opportunities and the challenges cities face in embedding fundamental rights in their structures and day-to-day work.

A key focus was the presentation of tools and methods developed within the project, including practical training formats for municipal actors and a self-assessment tool to help cities analyse and further develop their compliance with fundamental rights.

Two panel discussions provided insights into practical experiences with training and capacity-building measures, as well as approaches to the systematic self-assessment of fundamental rights compliance at the local level, drawing on examples from various European cities. These discussions identified success factors, existing challenges, and necessary support structures to ensure the sustainable use of such instruments. They also explored how these approaches can be taken up and further developed by other cities and stakeholders across Europe.

On the second day, the project consortium met in Sopot for the final Steering Committee meeting. During this session, project results were consolidated, key findings were reflected upon, and final steps towards the project’s completion were agreed. The meeting also addressed how the project’s outcomes and tools can be sustainably embedded and further disseminated.

Katrin Wladasch and Johanna Blimlinger from LBI-GMR participated in both days of the event.