Values common for all the EU countries

Circle of twelve gold stars

THE UNION’S AIM The Union is founded, according to the Convention's proposal, on the values of respect for human dignity, liberty, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights. These values, which are set out in Article I-2, are common to the Member States. The Union is founded, according to the Convention's proposal, on the values of respect for human dignity, liberty, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights. These values, which are set out in Article I-2, are common to the Member States.

DIGNITY The term "dignity" is defined as "the state of being worthy of honour or respect".When this concept is associated with the adjective "human", it is used to signify that all human beings possess inherent worth and deserve unconditional respect, regardless of age, sex, health status, social or ethnic origin, political ideas, religion, or criminal history. The term "dignity" is defined as "the state of being worthy of honour or respect".When this concept is associated with the adjective "human", it is used to signify that all human beings possess inherent worth and deserve unconditional respect, regardless of age, sex, health status, social or ethnic origin, political ideas, religion, or criminal history.

LIBERTY Liberty, in modern time, is generally considered as a concept of political philosophy and identifies the condition in which an individual has the ability to act according to his or her own will. Liberty, in modern time, is generally considered as a concept of political philosophy and identifies the condition in which an individual has the ability to act according to his or her own will. Individualist and liberal conceptions of liberty relate to the freedom of the individual from outside compulsion. Individualist and liberal conceptions of liberty relate to the freedom of the individual from outside compulsion.

DEMOCRACY A common feature of democracy as currently understood and practiced is competitive elections. Competitive elections are usually seen to require freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and some degree of rule of law. Civilian control of the military is often seen as necessary to prevent military dictatorship and interference with political affairs. In some countries, democracy is based on the philosophical principle of equal rights. A common feature of democracy as currently understood and practiced is competitive elections. Competitive elections are usually seen to require freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and some degree of rule of law. Civilian control of the military is often seen as necessary to prevent military dictatorship and interference with political affairs. In some countries, democracy is based on the philosophical principle of equal rights.