Abstract:

The author examines in the preceding article the current standart-setting norms and enfrcement mechanisms of the European Union (EU) for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. In the introductory part, he outlines the historical development and recalls that the Union was not designed as a human rights-based organisation. In the second part he elaborates the provisions of the Amsterdam Treaty which purport to inject the principles of democracy, rule of law and respect for human rights into the structure of the Union. In examining the current case-law of the ECJ on the protection of human rights, he specially emphasises the relevance of the enforcement mechanisms, in particular the preliminary ruling system. Finally the author reminds to the reader of the possibility of making use of the Union's non- judicial remedies such as recourse to the Commission, European Parliament, and Ombudsman. 

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