The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU brings together in a single document the fundamental rights protected in the EU. It was proclaimed in 2000 and was entered into force by the Treaty of Lisbon in 2009.
Its provision on the right to education (Article 14) includes the right to equal access to education and vocational training; it protects the right to compulsory education and the freedom to found educational establishments. The EU Charter also protects children’s rights; Article 32 prohibits child labour and states that the minimum age of employment shall be no lower than the age of completion of compulsory education. Furthermore, the EU Charter protects academic freedom (Article 13) and includes a comprehensive non-discrimination clause (Article 21).
