This is a short presentation of the evolution of fundamental rights and economic freedoms in the Union legal order, highlighting questions of scope and status rather than analyzing the substance of the various rights recognized in the Charter of Fundamental Rights. As a preliminary point, it is important to note that fundamental rights have to be respected at all levels of EU governance, including by the various bodies of the Member States. Respect for fundamental rights by the Union as such raises questions concerning (i) the validity (legality) of Union secondary law, (ii) the interpretation of Union secondary law or (iii) the legality of individual measures such as Commission or judicial decisions. Compliance at the national level requires consideration of one additional, preliminary issue; Union fundamental rights will only be applicable in situations which fall within the scope of Union law.