The FURI (EU Funds for Fundamental Rights) project is committed to ensuring that EU funding aligns with the principles of justice, equality and non-discrimination.
EU funds must comply with legal requirements, particularly the Charter of Fundamental Rights. However, over the past years, NGOs have uncovered several EU-funded projects violating the fundamental rights of marginalised groups in areas such as:
Segregated education and housing;
Institutionalisation of people with disabilities and children deprived of parental care;
Unequal and discriminatory access to public services;
Deprivation of liberty for people with a migrant background.
These violations not only breach the Charter but also other international legal instruments like the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD).
Our activities
Monitoring EU Funds
We're on a mission to track EU funds, making sure they align with the principles of justice and equality, enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
Collecting cases
We collect and analyse cases to uncover rights violations in EU-funded projects.
Advocacy & legal actions
We will launch advocacy and legal actions (e.g. submitting complaints) to fight against injustice.
Communication actions
Raising awareness to ensure no one turns a blind eye.
Where we work
We work accross 6 countries - Bulgaria, Poland, Romania, Greece, Hungary, Czechia - and at EU level.
Our partners
In this project, Bridge EU is the thematic coordinator providing crucial support in shaping the project’s strategy both at the EU and national levels.
National partners:
Awen Amenca in Czechia: Set up in 2013, AA undertakes a wide range of activities to desegregate education in Czechia, including campaigning, advocacy, community organising and litigation.
Greek Council of Refugees in Greece: Serving also as the project coordinator, GCR leverages nearly 30 years of experience in asylum and fundamental rights advocacy in Greece.
Partners Hungary Foundation in Hungary: aims to strengthen the capacity of marginalised local communities (Roma) by reinforcing the dialogue between individuals, representatives of the community, mainstream society, etc. PH works in different fields such as education, social integration and conflict management.
Policy Center for Roma and Minorities in Romania: is a non-governmental think-tank which act towards solving social inclusion issues of Roma and other ethnical minorities. The activities include educational actions (e.g. afternoon schooling, extra-curricular activities) for children living in segregated neighbourhoods), skills development, advocacy (national and EU)
Network of Independent Experts in Bulgaria: is an independent network of human rights experts, advocacy enthusiasts and professionals in the protection of disadvantaged people. A priority area is the rights of persons with disabilities and deinstitutionalisaton. To achieve their objectives; NIE undertakes a wide range of activities including litigation, research, advocacy, events, trainings etc. NIE has experience in submitting complaints of EU funds for fundamental rights violations.
Instytut Niezaleznego Zycia in Poland: aims to supporting and monitoring the implementation of the CRPD in Poland, focusing on independent living. Activities include conducting research, organising events, advocacy, capacity building, information and promotion activities, preparation of standards, collection of good practices. INZ has experience in submitting complaints of EU funds for fundamental rights violations.
International Partners:
Validity Foundation: is an international non-governmental human rights organisations that uses legal strategies to promote, protect and defend the human rights of people with mental disabilities worldwide.
European Network on Independent Living: is a user-led network of disabled people, with members throughout Europe.
Duration
March 2024 - February 2026
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
(Grant agreement number 101143162 - CERV-2023-CHAR-LITI)