The European Commission has adopted a new EU Anti-Racism Strategy with a promise to combat racism in all its forms, including a strengthened framework to tackle hate speech and hate crime.
Almost two in three citizens still view racial discrimination as a widespread issue in their countries, according to the latest Eurobarometer on discrimination.
The new strategy aims to combat racism in all its forms by ensuring the full implementation and enforcement of EU anti-discrimination laws; continuing to tackle barriers and foster inclusion in education, employment, healthcare, and housing; and building anti-racism partnerships at all levels of society.
“Open and inclusive societies are under pressure, from inside and outside Europe,” said EU Equality Commissioner Hadja Lahbib: “This is precisely when Europe must stand firm. This is not the moment to whisper our values, but to act on them. Racism locks doors. Europe’s first-ever Anti-Racism Strategy is about opening them, choosing leadership over silence.”
The strategy will identify implementation gaps and consider stronger sanctions where necessary. The framework to tackle hate speech and hate crime is to be strengthened, notably by empowering people, ensuring the rights of victims’ through existing EU legislation such as the Victims’ Rights Directive, and by considering harmonising the definitions of online hate offences, while fully respecting freedom of expression.
An EU-wide campaign on equality will be launched to raise awareness and engage citizens across the EU to promote inclusion. Ongoing initiatives will help secure equal access in key areas like education, employment, housing and healthcare. For example, the Commission will support Member States to eliminate bias in healthcare practices, and to improve access to employment opportunities. It will also carry out a study to assess risks and solutions in terms of housing for the most vulnerable groups. The strategy will also contribute to improving the collection, analysis and use of data on equality.
The strategy highlights the need for cooperation at every level of society. International organisations, European institutions and agencies, Member States, candidate countries, local and regional authorities, equality bodies, the private sector and civil society must take action, says the Commission. The work of the Anti-racism coordinator will continue to promote constructive dialogue and interaction among EU institutions, Member States, civil society and academia.
EU Anti-Racism Strategy 2026-2030
Report on Implementation of the EU Anti-racism Action Plan
OECD report on Combatting Discrimination in the European Union
