The transatlantic slave trade represents a dark and painful chapter in human history, spanning over 400 years and affecting more than 15 million people. Despite the abolition of slavery, racist ideologies persist and continue to shape discriminatory attitudes and behaviours today. Initiatives such as the UN International Day of Remembrance of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade and the EU’s Anti-Racism and Diversity Week aim to raise awareness, promote equality and create a more inclusive society.

Remembering the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade

Racial and ethnic minorities face discrimination and its consequences on a daily basis. The exact scale of the problem is hard to gauge owing to a lack of data and general under-reporting of racist incidents.The pandemic has seen a major increase in reports of racist and xenophobic incidents, however, while racial and ethnic minority groups have been disproportionately affected by the crisis, with higher death and infection rates.Although since 2000 the European Union has introduced legislation to combat racial and xenophobic discrimination, the problem persists, with the need for new measures recently highlighted by the global Black Lives Matter protests.

EPRS podcast - Policy: EU legislation and policies to fight racial and ethnic discrimination

In a November plenary vote Parliament demanded&nbsp;a robust and multifaceted approach to combat all forms of racism and discrimination, including structural and institutional racism, in the EU.

In a resolution&nbsp;Parliament strongly condemned&nbsp;that minorities and migrants, including LGBTQI persons, face structural racism, discrimination, hate, sustained inequalities, difficulties in accessing the justice system, and violence by the police.

As reported by the 2019 Eurobarometer, over half of Europeans believe that racial discrimination is widespread in their country, with “Being Roma” (61% of respondents), “Ethnic origin” (59%) and “Skin colour” (59%) being the top three grounds for discrimination.

On 18 September 2020, the European Commission published its communication “A Union of equality: EU anti-racism action plan 2020-2025”. Concretely, the Action Plan calls for better enforcement of EU law; closer coordination, including through the appointment of a Coordinator for Anti-racism; the adoption of national action plans against racism and racial discrimination; more efforts in preventing discriminatory attitudes by law enforcement authorities; and increased diversity of staff in the EU institutions. Equality is one of the fundamental values on which the EU is founded.

It is duly reflected in the Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU. International agreements, such as the European Convention on Human Rights also prohibit discrimination on various grounds, with limited exceptions in justified cases. With regard to the fight against racism and xenophobia, the main EU instrument is the Framework Decision on combating certain forms and expressions of racism and xenophobia by means of criminal law. This framework decision harmonises criminal definitions and sanctions.&nbsp;

Fight against racism and xenophobia

The European Parliament is concerned by the increasing normalisation of fascism, racism and xenophobia and calls on EU member states to ban neo-fascist and neo-Nazi groups.

The MEPs denounce that the lack of serious action against these groups has enabled the current xenophobic surge in Europe. They argue that the impunity enjoyed by far-right organisations in some member states is one of the reasons behind the rise in violent actions, affecting society as a whole and targeting particular minorities. They propose setting up anti-hate crime units in police forces to ensure these crimes are investigated and prosecuted. They also urge national authorities to “effectively ban neo-fascist and neo-Nazi groups and any other foundation or association that exalts and glorifies Nazism and fascism”.

Right-wing extremism

Press conference on European Elections- What Future on anti-racism in Europe

Anti-Racism and Diversity Week 2024

Racial justice, non-discrimination and anti-racism in the EU (debate)

A high common level of cybersecurity across the Union (debate)

Resumption of the sitting

Voting time 

Explanations of vote

Approval of the minutes of the part-session and forwarding of texts adopted

Dates of forthcoming sittings

Closure of the sitting

Adjournment of the session

Plenary session

Russia’s escalation of its war of aggression against Ukraine (debate)

Composition of political groups: see Minutes

Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

Countering the anti-European and anti-Ukrainian propaganda of Putin’s European cronies (topical debate)

Composition of committees and delegations

The accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen area (debate)

Outcome of the Commission’s review of the 15-point action plan on trade and sustainable development (debate)

Humanitarian situation after the devastating floods in Pakistan and the climate crisis (debate)

The situation of human rights in Haiti in particular related to gang violence

The Media freedom crackdown in Myanmar, notably the cases of Htet Htet Khine, Sithu Aung Myint and Nyein Nyein Aye

Membership of committees and delegations

The recent humanitarian and human rights situation in Tigray, Ethiopia, notably that of children

The Dutch childcare benefit scandal, institutional racism and algorithms (debate)

Approval of the minutes of the sitting and agenda of the next sitting

Resumption of the session

Opening of the sitting

Statement by the President 

Negotiations ahead of Parliament’s first reading (Rule 71)

Signing of acts adopted in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure (Rule 79): see Minutes

Order of business

Implementation of the 2021-2027 cohesion policy (debate)

Citizenship and residence by investment schemes

Shrinking space for civil society in Europe (debate)

Role of culture, education, media and sport in the fight against racism (debate)

Cohesion policy: reducing healthcare disparities and enhancing cross-border health cooperation (short presentation)

Cohesion policy: promoting innovative and smart transformation and regional ICT connectivity (short presentation)

Engaging with citizens: the right to petition and refer to the European Ombudsman, the European Citizens’ Initiative

One-minute speeches on matters of political importance

Agenda for next sitting: see Minutes

Closure of the session

Announcement of voting results: see Minutes

Preparation of the European Council meeting of 21-22 October 2021 (debate)

UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, the UK (COP26)

First voting session (continuation)

UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, the UK (COP26) (continuation of debate)

Sakharov Prize 2021 (announcement of winner)

The rise of right-wing extremism and racism in Europe (in light of recent events in Rome) (debate)

Composition of committees and delegations 

An EU strategy to reduce methane emissions (debate)

The first anniversary of the de facto abortion ban in Poland (debate)

Increased efforts to fight money laundering (debate)

Global Tax Agreements to be endorsed at the G20 Summit in Rome, 30th/31st of October (debate)

Announcement of voting results

Global Tax Agreements to be endorsed at the G20 Summit in Rome, 30th/31st of October

Second voting session

Pushbacks at the EU&#39;s external border (debate)

The humanitarian situation in Haiti following the recent earthquake

Closure of the sitting 

Statement by the President

Announcement by the President

Composition of Parliament

Calendar of part-sessions

Corrigendum (Rule 241)

Négociations avant la première lecture du Conseil (article 72 du règlement)

Delegated acts (Rule 111(6)): see Minutes

The Anti-racism protests following the death of George Floyd

First voting session

Preparation of the European Council meeting of 19 June 2020

Conference on the Future of Europe

Protecting European strategic sectors from foreign takeovers in a post-Covid world

Tourism and transport in 2020 and beyond

Corrections to votes and voting intentions

Agenda of the next sitting

Plenary Session

Proposed mandate for negotiations for a new partnership with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (debate)

Composition of committees and delegations : see Minutes

Conclusion of the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement - Conclusion of the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (Resolution) - EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement - EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (Resolution)

Conclusion of the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement - Conclusion of the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (Resolution) - EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement - EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (Resolution) (debate)

Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting : see Minutes

European Central Bank - annual report 2018 (debate)

The breach of Council Decision 2017/2074 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela - illegal entry on the territory of an EU Member State of a person included in the list of sanctions

US Middle East plan: EU response in line with international law

The current security situation in Syria (debate)

The new comprehensive EU-Africa strategy (debate)

Fighting against antisemitism, racism and hatred across Europe (debate)

The ongoing threat for the Rule of law in Poland (debate)

Composition of Parliament : see Minutes

The illegal trade in companion animals in the EU (debate)

Agenda of the next sitting : see Minutes

Plenary

Combatting racism, xenophobia, homophobia and other forms of intolerance (debate)

Strengthening the fight against racism, xenophobia and hate crime (debate)

Conclusions of the UN Conference on Racism (Durban II' - Geneva) (debate)

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - Need to fight the increase of antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2023 - Anti-racism: why words matter

Anti-Racism Diversity Week 2023

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery event - How to react to and uproot racism in the workplace

EP Plenary session - Racial justice, non-discrimination and anti-racism in the EU

EP Plenary session - O.Q. - The Dutch childcare benefit scandal, institutional racism and algorithms

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination - Roundtable

EP Plenary session - Role of culture, education, media and sport in the fight against racism

EP Plenary session - The rise of right-wing extremism and racism in Europe (in light of recent events in Rome)

DG PERS roundtable - International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination  '  Literary perspectives - and what the EP does '

EP Plenary session - Introductory remark by David SASSOLI, EP President - statement by Pierrette HERZBERGER-FOFANA (Greens/EFA,DE) and Philippe LAMBERTS (Greens/EFA,BE) on a racism issue

EP Plenary session - Announcement by David SASSOLI, EP President - Minute of silence in tribute to the death of George Floyd

EP Plenary session - Introductory remark by David SASSOLI, EP President

EP Plenary session - Fighting against antisemitism, racism and hatred across Europe

EP Plenary session - Resuming of the session

Annual manifestation against racism and xenophobia

The report by Salima YENBOU (Greens/EFA, FR) intends to be a first step towards the full realisation of a fair, inclusive and just society by tackling racism and discrimination in the field of culture, education, sports and media. Closing statement by Mariya GABRIEL, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth.

Role of culture, education, media and sport in the fight against racism: closing statement by Mariya GABRIEL, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth

The report by Salima YENBOU (Greens/EFA, FR) intends to be a first step towards the full realisation of a fair, inclusive and just society by tackling racism and discrimination in the field of culture, education, sports and media.

Role of culture, education, media and sport in the fight against racism: MEPs debate

The report by Salima YENBOU (Greens/EFA, FR) intends to be a first step towards the full realisation of a fair, inclusive and just society by tackling racism and discrimination in the field of culture, education, sports and media. Opening statement by Mariya GABRIEL, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth.

Role of culture, education, media and sport in the fight against racism: opening statement by Salima YENBOU (Greens/EFA, FR), rapporteur and by Mariya GABRIEL, European Commissioner for Innovation

The CULT (Culture and Education) Committee has voted in favor of a report that intends to be a first step towards the full realisation of a fair, inclusive and just society by tackling racism and discrimination in the field of culture, education, sports and media. Salima YENBOU (Greens/EFA, FR) is the rapporteur and asks for more representation and diversity in History books, calls member states to monitor diversity on the media.

The role of culture, education, media and sport in the fight against racism: statement by Salima YENBOU (Greens/EFA, FR)

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels (08-11 March 2021), MEPs debate on the declaration of the EU as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/transsexual, intersex and queer/questioning (LGBTIQ) Freedom Zone: MEPs debate part 2

Declaration of the EU as an LGBTIQ Freedom Zone: MEPs debate 2/2

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels (08-11 March 2021), MEPs debate on the declaration of the EU as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/transsexual, intersex and queer/questioning (LGBTIQ) Freedom Zone: closing statements by Ana Paula ZACARIAS, Portuguese Secretary of State for European Affairs and Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality.

Declaration of the EU as an LGBTIQ Freedom Zone: closing statements by Ana Paula ZACARIAS, Portuguese Secretary of State for European Affairs, and Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels (08-11 March 2021), MEPs debate on the declaration of the EU as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/transsexual, intersex and queer/questioning (LGBTIQ) Freedom Zone: opening statements by Ana Paula ZACARIAS, Portuguese Secretary of State for European Affairs and Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality. This transcription speech is the result of an automatic process. Check against delivery.

Declaration of the EU as an LGBTIQ Freedom Zone: opening statements by Ana Paula ZACARIAS, Portuguese Secretary of State for European Affairs, and Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels (08-11 March 2021), MEPs debate on the declaration of the EU as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/transsexual, intersex and queer/questioning (LGBTIQ) Freedom Zone: MEPs debate 1/2.

Declaration of the EU as an LGBTIQ Freedom Zone: MEPs debate 1/2

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels (8-11 March 2021), MEPs call for the EU to be an ‘‘LGBTIQ Freedom Zone’’, in response to ‘‘LGBTIQ-free zones’’ in Poland. Extracts from the debate with Ana Paula ZACARIAS, Portuguese Secretary of State for European Affairs and President in office of the Council of the EU, Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality, Roberta METSOLA (EPP, MT), Iratxe GARCÍA PÉREZ (S&D, ES) and Pierre KARLESKIND (Renew, FR).

Declaration of the EU as an LGBTIQ Freedom Zone: extracts from the debate

During the plenary session (14-18 December 2020), mainly in Brussels, MEPs discuss the overall EU strategy on security issues as well as the new EU Counter-Terrorism Agenda. MEPs debate

EU Security Union Strategy: MEPs debate

During the plenary session (14-17 September 2020) in the European Parliament in Brussels, Ursula VON DER LEYEN delivers the State of the European Union (SOTEU 2020) before the MEPs. In her fifth part of the speech VON DER LEYEN focused on a more shared management of migration between member states, the respect of Rule of Law, and the respect of all human rights on the European territory. This transcription speech is the result of an automatic process. Check against delivery.

Part 5/5 - State of the European Union debate: Opening statement by Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission (Migration, Fight against racism, Rule of Law)

Romeo FRANZ (Greens/EFA, DE), rapporteur, makes a statement after the vote on the implementation of National Roma Integration Strategies - Combating negative attitudes towards people with Romani background in Europe, at the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) of the European Parliament in Brussels.

Implementation of National Roma Integration Strategies - Combating negative attitudes towards people with Romani background in Europe: statement by Romeo FRANZ (Greens/EFA, DE), rapporteur

During the plenary session in the European Parliament in Brussels (17-19 June 2020), David SASSOLI, EP President, makes an opening statement at the resumption of session. His statement is followed by the intervention of Pierrette HERZBERGER-FOFANA (Greens/EFA, DE) who explained that has been victim of police violence by the Belgian police. Philippe LAMBERTS (Greens/EFA, BE), speaks as Group Leader of the Greens/EFA and as a citizen of the Belgian state. This transcription speeches are the result of an automatic process. Check against delivery.

Resumption of session: opening statements by David SASSOLI, EP President, Pierrette HERZBERGER-FOFANA (Greens/EFA, DE) and Philippe LAMBERTS (Greens/EFA, BE) on a racism issue

During the plenary session in the European Parliament in Brussels (17-19 June 2020), ambiance shots of the arrivals

Resumption of session: Ambiance shots of the arrivals

During the plenary session in the European Parliament in Brussels (17-19 June 2020), debate on the Anti-racism protests following the death of George Floyd. Closing statements

The Anti-racism protests following the death of George Floyd: Closing statements by Vĕra JOUROVÁ, Vice-President of the European Commission and Nikolina BRJNAC, Croatian Presidency

During the plenary session in the European Parliament in Brussels (17-19 June 2020), David SASSOLI, EP President, presents the order of business. Statements by Manon AUBRY (GUE/NGL, FR) and Angel DZHAMBAZKI (ECR, BG)

Resumption of session: order of business

During the plenary session in the European Parliament in Brussels (17-19 June 2020), debate on the Anti-racism protests following the death of George Floyd. MEPs debate (part 1)

The Anti-racism protests following the death of George Floyd: MEPs debate (part 1)

David SASSOLI, EP President, opens the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels by paying tribute to George Floyd, a 46-year-old Afro-American, who was killed by policemen during an arrest in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Pierrette HERZBERGER-FOFANA (Greens/EFA,DE) reports how she has been victim of police violence recently in Brussels.

Opening statement by David SASSOLI, EP President: extracts from the statement by Pierrette HERZBERGER-FOFANA (Greens/EFA,DE) on a racism issue and minute of silence in tribute to the death of George Floyd

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Press conference on European Elections- What Future on anti-racism in Europe

Press conference on European Elections- What Future on anti-racism in Europe

Press conference on European Elections- What Future on anti-racism in Europe

Press conference on European Elections- What Future on anti-racism in Europe

Press conference on European Elections- What Future on anti-racism in Europe

Press conference on European Elections- What Future on anti-racism in Europe

Press conference on European Elections- What Future on anti-racism in Europe

Press conference on European Elections- What Future on anti-racism in Europe

Press conference on European Elections- What Future on anti-racism in Europe

Press conference on European Elections- What Future on anti-racism in Europe

Press conference on European Elections- What Future on anti-racism in Europe

Press conference on European Elections- What Future on anti-racism in Europe

Press conference on European Elections- What Future on anti-racism in Europe

Press conference on European Elections- What Future on anti-racism in Europe

Press conference on European Elections- What Future on anti-racism in Europe

Anti-Racism and Diversity Week 2024

Anti-Racism and Diversity Week 2024

Anti-Racism and Diversity Week 2024