The European Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights.
The EU must guarantee and promote fundamental social rights, as set down in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the Treaties. These include amongst others the right to equality, dignity, religious and cultural liberty, education, the right to work and fair working conditions, freedom of assembly, the right to information and consultation, and to collective bargaining and action. The ETUC points out that it is an obligation under the Treaty for the EU to accede to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).