Survey: Estonians have a strong awareness of their rights
Text Mark Taylor Photo Andrei Chertkov
A recent survey conducted by the European Commission has revealed that Estonians are more informed about their rights and the rule of law compared to the average EU citizen. The survey highlighted that 90 per cent of Estonians value the importance of upholding key EU principles, including democracy, fundamental rights, and the rule of law.
According to the findings, 64 per cent of Estonians are well-informed about the rule of law, and 60 per cent were aware of the EU’s core values. These figures surpass the EU average, which stands at 53 per cent. This strong awareness demonstrates Estonia’s leading role in promoting EU principles among its citizens.
To further strengthen understanding across the Union, the European Commission has launched an information campaign focusing on six key principles that define the rule of law. These principles include equality before the law, legal certainty, the prohibition of arbitrary decisions, the right to a fair trial, judicial independence, and the separation of powers.
European Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, emphasised the importance of the rule of law, stating, “While the rule of law defines who we are as Europeans, it is often only noticed when something goes wrong. Our campaign aims to highlight its significance in preventing inequality and injustice.”
To make these concepts more accessible to a broader audience, renowned German artist Christoph Niemann has created a series of playful animations inspired by sports. These short cartoons, available in all 27 EU languages, illustrate the importance of fair rules, drawing parallels between the rule of law and familiar sports rules. Niemann explained, “Just like in sports, where agreed-upon rules create a fair playing field, the rule of law ensures a just and predictable society.”
The European Commission hopes the campaign will foster greater understanding of the rule of law, ensuring that both adults and children recognise its impact on daily life.
Niemann’s work has been featured in publications like The New Yorker and National Geographic. His animations, which can be seen on the European Commission’s official website, are part of a broader effort to make complex legal concepts accessible to all citizens.
To learn more about this and similar topicsChristoph Niemann Campaign Didier Reynders European Commission Estonian Citizen Rights European Commision Survey European Values and Democracy EU Rule of Law Independence of Courts Europe
