What has the EU ever done for my … rights?

https://www.theguardian.com/law/2016/jun/10/what-has-the-eu-ever-done-for-my-rights

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Protections guaranteeing individual freedom were dramatically expanded by the charter of fundamental rights of the European Union, which came into force in 2009. Disputes over its interpretation are presided over by the European court of justice (ECJ) in Luxembourg.

Condemned by Boris Johnson as undermining British justice and sovereignty, the charter and court in effect incorporate many of the liberties balanced and enforced through the European convention on human rights. The convention is separately overseen by the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, not the EU.

Pivotal cases involving the surveillance powers of state security agencies, prisoners’ voting rights and the ability to wear a headscarf at work have all been considered by the Luxembourg court.

Disputes about gender discrimination, holiday entitlement and whether obesity constitutes a disability have also been the subject of contentious hearings.

The ECJ’s expanding jurisdiction has become increasingly contentious during the EU referendum campaign as Eurosceptics have focused their disapproval on its powers. Cases are usually referred to Luxembourg by national courts seeking clarification of general principles.

Eleanor Sharpston QC, the British advocate general at the court, denied last month that Luxembourg decided national claims. “The national judges handle it,” she told the Guardian. “We answer the questions. We don’t decide the case.”

The faithful are well protected by the EU. The European commission president, Jean-Claude Juncker, reaffirmed this protection this month, saying: “Freedom of religion or belief is a fundamental right which is part of the foundation of the European Union.”

Three years ago, the EU approved guidelines which said the freedom to practise all religions, change religion or reject religion or belief were fundamental human rights. However, such statements have not prevented rising concerns about Islamophobia and antisemitism across Europe in recent years.