On 24 September 2025, ENNHRI held a policy dialogue on National Human Rights Institutions’ (NHRIs) role in the European Union (EU) enlargement process. It gathered NHRI leaders from EU enlargement countries and beyond, alongside representatives from EU institutions, the Council of Europe, and the United Nations. They discussed how NHRIs support the rule of law, fundamental rights, and democracy throughout the accession process, challenges faced, and cooperation with key partners. Looking ahead, they reflected on further strengthening NHRIs and their collaboration with EU institutions. The event built on a recent ENNHRI report.

Paris Principles-compliant NHRIs as benchmarks in the EU accession process

Discussions underscored that NHRIs compliant with the UN Paris Principles should be considered as explicit benchmarks in assessing progress on the rule of law, democracy, and fundamental rights within the EU enlargement methodology. Through their mandate, grounded in the Paris Principles, they conduct independent monitoring and evidence-based reporting of these nationally.

Building on findings from ENNHRI’s 2025 rule of law report, participants explored how these inform EU assessments on the accession process and help ensure that related reforms uphold fundamental rights, the rule of law and democracy.

It was reiterated that strengthening the independence, resources, and protection of NHRIs means strengthening fundamental rights, the rule of law and democracy. Indeed, participants noted that the increasing NHRI input to the EU rule of Law and enlargement reports is recognition of their role as trusted national partners.

Moving forward together: towards more regular and structured dialogue

Participants called for more structured and regular cooperation between NHRIs, EU institutions, and international partners. Proposals included creating dedicated communication channels between the European Commission and NHRIs, independent of government processes, alongside establishing annual exchanges and joint workshops to strengthen collaboration and visibility.

The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Council of Europe and the European External Action Service reaffirmed their commitment to supporting NHRIs inter alia in monitoring and defending human rights, continued joint advocacy and capacity-building.

The meeting concluded that networking and partnership remain central to this work. By connecting NHRIs across Europe with regional and international counterparts, ENNHRI acts as a bridge. It ensures that NHRI voices inform the EU’s enlargement agenda and contribute to a future rooted in fundamental rights, democracy, and the rule of law.