http://dx.doi.org/10.17176/20191112-153757-0 https://staging.verfassungsblog.de/fundamentals-on-defending-european-values/ Fundamentals on Defending European Values von Bogdandy, Armin eng 2019-11-12 electronic resource text/html ddc:342 EU rule of law framework European Fundamental Values Rule of Law rule of law crisis Verfassungsblog Verfassungsblog--2366-7044 CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 In 2007, the Treaty makers ennobled the former fundamental principles of the Treaty on European Union as European values. Respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law and the protection of human rights have henceforth transcended the sphere of ‘merely’ legal matters. Today, however, this step feeds a perception of a deep crisis: when founding values appear weak or controversial, the entire house may crumble.