The European Union (EU) aims to promote peace, its values and the well-being of its citizens.
The EU 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 people belonging to minorities. These values are common to its Member States in a society characterised by pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men.
In its relations with the wider world, the EU will affirm and promote its values and interests and contribute to the protection of its citizens. It will contribute to peace, security, sustainable development of the planet, solidarity and mutual respect between peoples, free and fair trade, eradication of poverty and protection of human rights, especially the rights of children, as well as to the strict respect and development of international law, in particular respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter.
These values serve as the basis of the EU and are set out in the Treaty of the European Union and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. This Jean Monnet Chair explores the measures necessary for the internal promotion and respect, as well as the external promotion, of EU values.
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