Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) emphasises that the Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities.
Cuirtear i bhfios go láidir in Airteagal 2 den Chonradh ar an Aontas Eorpach (CAE) go bhfuil an tAontas fothaithe ar luachanna an mheasa ar dhínit an duine, na saoirse, an daonlathais, an chomhionannais, fhorlámhas an dlí agus an mheasa ar chearta an duine, lena n-áirítear na cearta atá ag daoine ar de ghrúpaí mionlaigh iad.