The Political Use of “European Values”
In today’s charged political climate, the phrase “European values” is often thrown around. It surfaces in debates on civil society, migration, democracy, and identity. But there frequently appears to be little clarity about what the term actually means. Whereas in fact, it has a firm legal basis and a clearly articulated foundation in the European treaties. This matters because the term is increasingly used as a reference point in assessing whether civil society actors align with the Union’s principles — even though their work often reflects and reinforces the very values the EU is committed to uphold.
The Treaty Definition
The clearest articulation of these values appears in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU). It states:
“The Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. These values are common to the Member States in a society in which pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men prevail.”
These are not aspirational slogans or political preferences. They are core legal principles, anchored in the Union’s constitutional framework. They shape EU law and policy, guide the functioning of its institutions, and define the conditions for membership.
A Defined Concept, Not a Vague One
The values listed in Article 2 TEU form the recognised foundation of what is meant by “European values” in EU law and policy. While the phrase itself does not appear verbatim in the treaties, the principles behind it are treated as legally binding standards across institutional, legal, and diplomatic contexts.
This gives the term a clear and stable reference point. It also means that claims about what does or does not align with “European values” can be assessed against a specific legal benchmark, rather than being left to interpretation or political preference.
Why It Matters
The phrase “European values” carries considerable political and symbolic weight. It features in policy frameworks, public discourse, and international agreements. When disconnected from its treaty basis, the term risks being misused — reshaped to support claims or positions that may contradict the Union’s actual legal foundations.
Grounding the term in Article 2 TEU helps to clarify its meaning and protect its integrity. It reminds us that “European values” are not expressions of cultural identity or political fashion — they are legal principles. These include commitments to human dignity, freedom, equality, the rule of law, and respect for human rights — and they apply universally across the Union.
These values aren’t just constitutional—they are operational. EU funding instruments often refer to “European values,” making them conditions not only for membership, but also for participation in programmes and funding.
Civil Society and Treaty Values
Much of the work carried out by civil society organisations — from defending human rights and promoting equality to supporting democratic participation — is directly aligned with the values enshrined in Article 2 TEU.
These organisations are not operating at the margins of the European project. On the contrary, their work reflects and reinforces the Union’s legal commitments. The role of civil society is not only recognised but actively supported in EU law and policy, including through funding instruments, external action strategies, and the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
The Charter, which holds the same legal value as the treaties, reaffirms:
“…the indivisible, universal values of human dignity, freedom, equality and solidarity; it is based on the principles of democracy and the rule of law.”
By protecting fundamental rights, promoting pluralism, and fostering participation, civil society plays an essential role in sustaining the Union’s values — not challenging them.
Final Thought
The term “European values” is often invoked, but not always with precision. By returning to the text of the treaties, we find that these values are not vague or abstract — they are legally grounded, clearly articulated, and binding on all Member States.
They include respect for human dignity, democracy, the rule of law, human rights, equality, and solidarity. They underpin not only EU law and membership, but also the space for civic engagement, public accountability, and rights protection.
Understanding the treaty basis of European values doesn’t just clarify the debate — it’s how we protect what these values were meant to guarantee.
