This work investigates the complex legal framework and judicial application of fundamental rights within the European Union. Olivier De Schutter, a prominent legal scholar and former UN Special Rapporteur, provides a comprehensive analysis of how the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union interacts with national legal systems and the European Convention on Human Rights. The text argues that the protection of these rights is central to the legitimacy and functional integrity of the European integration project.

Legal scholars and practitioners frequently cite this text as a foundational resource for understanding the intricacies of EU human rights law. The prose is noted for its academic rigor and its ability to synthesize complex jurisprudence into a coherent structural framework for students and professionals alike.