On 9th January, Frans Timmermans, Vice-President of the European Commission, asked a small group of Human Rights activists and Fundamental Rights NGOs including AGE to meet to discuss what the European Union should do to better protect human rights and fundamental rights in its internal and external action.
A group of NGOs issued a common joint statement on ‘Strengthening equality and fundamental rights protection in the EU’, calling on Vice-President Timmermans to show clear commitment on strengthening the EU fundamental rights and equality framework and ensuring its enforcement.
In his reply, Mr. Timmermans shared NGOS views that this is essential to eradicate the real causes of the radicalization and fundamentalism spreading in Europe.