The Commission presents a new anti-racism strategy “to continue building a true Union of equality”

Brussels – Today, the European Commission adopted the new EU anti-racism strategy, which aims to create a Europe free from racism, where “everyone can thrive and contribute to the prosperity of their societies.” 

The strategy is based on the EU Action Plan against Racism 2020-2025. Over the past five years, the EU has made significant progress in the fight against racism, the Commission claims, in particular by addressing the obstacles created by racial discrimination and integrating efforts against racism into all relevant EU policies. Despite this progress, the latest Eurobarometer on discrimination reveals that almost two out of three citizens still consider racial discrimination to be a widespread problem in their countries. 

The new strategy aims to combat racism in all its forms:
 

• Ensure the full implementation and enforcement of EU anti-discrimination laws.
• Continue to address barriers and promote inclusion in education, employment, healthcare and housing.
• Build anti-racist partnerships at all levels of society.

“Today, the rights we fought so hard for are being challenged and, in some cases, revoked. Open and inclusive societies are under pressure, both within and outside Europe. It is precisely at this moment that Europe must stand firm,” explains Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality and Crisis Preparedness and Management. “This is not the time to whisper our values, but to act on them. Racism closes doors. Europe’s first anti-racism strategy is to open them, choosing leadership over silence. We are drawing a clear line: there is no going back,” warns Lahbib. “We will defend diversity and inclusion and build a Union where everyone has a fair chance to reach their full potential.”

Key actions of the strategy

The new strategy will strengthen the enforcement of the existing anti-discrimination laws. The application of the Racial Equality Directive from 2000 will be assessed to identify implementation gaps and consider stronger sanctions where necessary. The framework to tackle hate speech and hate crime will 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. 
The strategy will also support equality bodies in Member States to carry out their vital work, by ensuring standards are met. 

Anti-racism efforts will be even more embedded in everyday life, across society. 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, in line with national legislative frameworks, to better understand and tackle discrimination. 

Achieving a Union free from racism and racial discrimination is a joint effort. 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. The work of the Anti-racism coordinator will continue to promote constructive dialogue and interaction among EU institutions, Member States, civil society and academia. Moreover, under the next Multiannual Financial Framework, the Commission proposed to increase support to anti–racism civil society organisations under the Democracy, Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values strand of AgoraEU.