Legal issues surrounding right to die in Europe: euthanasia and assisted suicide

Abstract

Should the right to die be treated as a crime or as a personal choice protected by law? This question remains one of Europe’s most controversial and unresolved legal challenges. The thesis uncovers the hidden consequences of Europe’s fragmented euthanasia laws: rising "death tourism," legal uncertainty for patients and doctors, and an increasing conflict between national rules and European principles of human rights. By examining court rulings, comparing national approaches, and exploring EU principles, this research aims to uncover the legal and social barriers that prevent change and harmonisation. Ultimately, this work seeks to advance the conversation about dignity, autonomy, and justice at the end of life within the European legal context.