On 20 January, the European Commission officially adopted a new EU Anti-Racism Strategy aimed at establishing a Europe free from racism. This initiative is designed to enable individuals to thrive, actively participate in society, and contribute to the stability and prosperity of communities. The strategy builds upon the existing EU Anti-Racism Action Plan for 2020-2025.
Over the past five years, significant progress has been made within the EU to address racism, particularly by dismantling barriers associated with racial discrimination and integrating anti-racism efforts across all relevant EU policies. Nevertheless, the latest Eurobarometer survey on discrimination indicates that nearly two-thirds of citizens continue to view racial discrimination as a prevalent issue in their respective countries.
“Today rights we fought hard for are being questioned and, in some cases, rolled back. Open and inclusive societies are under pressure, from inside and outside Europe. 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. We are drawing a clear line: no going backwards. We will defend diversity and inclusion, and build a Union where everyone has a fair chance to reach their full potential,” stated Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management.
The new strategy endeavours to combat racism in all its forms by ensuring comprehensive implementation and enforcement of EU anti-discrimination laws. It will also focus on overcoming barriers, promoting inclusivity across education, employment, healthcare, and housing, and fostering anti-racism partnerships at all levels of society.
The new strategy aims to enhance the enforcement of existing anti-discrimination laws, assessing the Racial Equality Directive of 2000 to identify implementation gaps and consider stronger sanctions. It will strengthen the framework for addressing hate speech and crimes, empowering victims and harmonising definitions of online hate offences while respecting freedom of expression.
The strategy supports equality bodies in EU member states and promotes anti-racism initiatives as part of daily life. An EU-wide campaign will raise awareness and engage citizens in promoting inclusion. Ongoing efforts will ensure equal access to education, employment, housing, and healthcare, including eliminating bias in healthcare and improving job opportunities for vulnerable groups.
Additionally, the strategy will improve data collection and analysis on equality to better combat discrimination. Achieving a Union free from racism requires cooperation from international organisations, EU institutions, Member States, and civil society. The Anti-Racism Coordinator will facilitate dialogue among these entities, and funding for anti-racism civil society organisations will be increased under the next Multiannual Financial Framework through AgoraEU.
The EU Anti-Racism Strategy for 2026-2030 aims to address all forms of racism, including anti-Black racism, antigypsyism, antisemitism, anti-Asian racism, and anti-Muslim hatred. The European Commission will support Member States in implementing national policies and will take action against any violations of anti-discrimination laws.
A report evaluating the Racial Equality Directive will be published in 2026, focusing on enforcement and the potential for algorithm-driven discrimination in AI tools. This strategy aligns with other EU equality initiatives, and its progress will be monitored, with a mid-term review planned.
