The Promise of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (and Brexit) on the Implementation of Economic and Social Rights among EU Member States

This article examines the extent to which inclusion of European Union (EU) Charter Fundamental Rights in Treaty Lisbon, gives legal force socio-economic rights as well civil and political rights, will succeed helping EU member states meet international treaty obligations implement rights. Will EU’s renewed commitment developing social sphere, post-Brexit, be more successful British citizens lose out on so-cio-economic long term if succeeds creating a better or public dimension? Member that have ratified International Covenant Economic, Social Cultural (ICESCR) progressively realise economic, cultural (ESC) Progress this has been slow potentially made difficult by economic direction adopted since 1980s. Although EU, from beginning, saw itself “social market” it struggled embed “social” same embedded “market”. Critics argue policies key judgements Court Justice (ECJ) successfully dis-embedded market its context. Additionally, regulatory regime developed limited capacity nation ameliorate consequences market-led for least advantaged. However, Rights, places an equal footing with is novel bold initiative. It stimulated debate whether could rebalance agenda paying attention predominantly policies. paper potential impact Charter, context human obligations, create environment where fewer obstacles “progressive realization” ESC