Coronavirus pandemic in the EU. Fundamental rights implications. Bulletin #4, 1 June - 30 June 2020

As we enter the second half of 2020, the constraints on our daily lives brought about by the Coronavirus pandemic have become a firm reality. New local lockdowns and the reintroduction of restrictive measures prompted by fresh outbreaks of the virus are a stark reminder that COVID-19 continues to shape our lives – and our enjoyment of fundamental rights – in profound ways. There is compelling evidence of how the pandemic has exacerbated existing challenges in our societies. This FRA Bulletin outlines some of the measures EU Member States adopted to safely reopen their societies and economies while continuing to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. It highlights the impact these measures may have on civil, political and socioeconomic rights. This bulletin outlines some of the measures EU Member States have put in place to protect public health during – and following the first peak of – the Coronavirus pandemic. It highlights how the different measures may affect fundamental rights. Where specific articles are mentioned in the report, these refer to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, which also serves as a proxy for the many other human rights standards that apply at national level.