Racism and xenophobia

A broad set of rules to tackle racism and xenophobia

The EU has introduced and initiated a broad set of measures to combat different forms and manifestations of racism and xenophobia.

These measures include various pieces of legislation:

• the Framework Decision on combating racism and xenophobia - penalising public incitement to violence or hatred on the basis of race, colour, religion, descent or national or ethnic origin;
• the Race Equality Directive - prohibiting discrimination on the grounds of racial or ethnic origin in several walks of life;
• the Employment Equality Directive - prohibiting discrimination for instance on the ground of religion in employment;
• the Audiovisual Media Services Directive - banning incitement to hatred in audiovisual media services and the promotion of discrimination in audiovisual commercial communications;
• the legislation - prohibiting discrimination at border controls.

Giving financial support to this fight

The Commission provides financial support for various activities:

• the Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Programme - to fight against racism, xenophobia and antisemitism;
• the Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity (PROGRESS) - to implement the principle of non-discrimination;
• the Safer Internet Programme - to protect children using the internet and other communication technologies, for instance by fighting against racist and xenophobic content;
• the Youth in Action and the Lifelong Learning programmes - to promote cultural diversity , democratic values and respect for human rights;
• the Refugee Fund and the Integration Fund - to facilitate the integration of third-country nationals and to protect the rights of persons requiring international protection in EU countries.

Supporting the collection and exchange of information

The Commission supports data collection by the EU Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA).

It also facilitates the exchange of information and good practices through several networks and expert groups, for instance in the field of non-discrimination.