Non-discrimination

Police association head: ‘Zero tolerance’ for right-wing extremism

The recent discovery of right-wing police chat groups has led many to ask how these tendencies in the police force can be counteracted. Oliver von Dobrowolski, head of the PolizeiGrün, discussed potential ideas for reform.

Handbook on the racial equality directive

This Handbook on the Racial Equality Directive was drafted in response to a lack of awareness on the topic of non-discrimination – the rights, bodies and redress mechanisms - and an unclear understanding of what discrimination really means.

Data reveals ‘shocking hardship’ of Romani people in Western Europe

A new report lays bare the widespread encroachments to the fundamental rights of Romani people in Western EU countries, providing the latest piece of evidence of discrimination against Europe's largest ethnic minority.

Gender equality: How post-COVID economic recovery programmes took a step back

With domestic violence and health issues having affected French women more than men during the COVID-19 health crisis, the economic consequences of the pandemic have also impacted the country's employment sector and have widened the gender inequality gap. EURACTIV France reports.

France commits to welcoming more refugees despite ‘reception crisis’

The tragic fire that ravaged the Mória refugee camp in Greece on 9 September has again highlighted the weaknesses of the EU's asylum and immigration policies and a lack of European solidarity. EURACTIV France reports on France's experience of the migration regime.

Racism and extremism in Germany’s police

Twenty-nine German police officers have been suspended after they were found to have taken part in a series of chat groups filled with neo-Nazi and racist messages. But this is not the first time that authorities have discovered right-wing extremism in the police.  EURACTIV Germany reports.

Commission mulls enlarging scope of ‘hate crimes’ in new anti-racism drive

Commission's equality boss Helena Dalli on Friday (18 September) stressed the importance of "anti-racism" as the core principle of the EU's plan to tackle ethnic discrimination across the continent, which will include new legislation, policy measures, and dialogue.

An EU law for the Romani people becomes possible

The European Parliament will pass today its Resolution “on the implementation of National Roma Integration Strategies: combating negative attitudes towards people with Romani background in Europe”. The rapporteur, Romeo Franz, who is of Roma origin, shares his emotional reaction.

Major human rights abuses against Roma seen during lockdown measures

European Romani communities experienced increased institutional racism and discrimination during the COVID-19 lockdown measures across the bloc, a new report by the European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) has found.

Europe must take action to combat rising anti-Semitism

COVID-19 has fuelled anti-Semitism in Europe. We need to take it seriously or risk losing the Jewish community, writes Michael O'Flaherty.

French fight against sexist ads comes to Germany

For two years now, French association Pépite Sexiste has been fighting against gender stereotypes in advertising. It has now decided to go international and has even launched one of its subsidiaries in Germany called Servus Sexismus. EURACTIV France reports.

Voting is every EU citizen’s right, regardless of disability

Persons with intellectual disabilities were disenfranchised in the 2019 EU elections. The European Commission should ensure this does not happen again, writes Jurij Toplak.  

MEPs slam EU Commission over for its silence following LGBT arrests in Poland

A group of members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have called on the European Commission to react to a mass arrest of LGBT activists in Poland.

Racial profiling by police to be debated in Bundestag committee, following petition

Growing concerns around systemic racism have led some to reconsider the conduct of Germany’s police force and demand a study of racial profiling in policing. With more than 67,000 signatures, the petition calling for such a study must be debated in the Bundestag’s Petition Committee.

World arts stars accuse Polish government of homophobia

Spanish director Pedro Almodovar, Canadian author Margaret Atwood and Nobel winner Olga Tokarczuk on Monday (17 August) accused Poland's ruling party of condoning homophobia in an open letter signed by dozens of global writers and directors.

Time for Europe to face uncomfortable truths about racial inequality

Europeans are uncomfortable talking about structural racism. But it is the lived reality of millions of people of colour on the continent, and needs to be addressed honestly, writes Amelie Glauber.

Polish official: Istanbul Convention could impose ‘leftist ideology’

Poland's conservative nationalist government cranked up its campaign against Europe's accord on violence against women, calling it a tool for the EU to foist "leftist ideology" on unwilling member states.

EU urged to ratchet up pressure on Poland in defence of LGBT+ rights

LGBT+ campaigners have praised an EU decision to withhold funds from six Polish municipalities that declared themselves "LGBT-free zones", urging Brussels to intensify pressure on the nationalist government over its increasingly homophobic stance.

EU chief marks Roma Holocaust Memorial Day with call for solidarity

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen marked Roma Holocaust Memorial Day on Sunday (2 August) with an appeal to EU member states to protect today's minorities from discrimination and racism.

EU chief backs LGBT rights in row with Poland

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen defended LGBT rights on Thursday (30 July) after a row erupted over the EU's refusal of grants to towns in Poland accused of discrimination.

EU denies grants to anti-LGBT Polish towns

The European Commission has rejected applications from six Polish towns to take part in a subsidised twinning programme because of their official attitude to the LGBT community.

Roma equality strategy needs mandatory targets and earmarked funding, experts say

The EU's upcoming strategy for equality and inclusion of Romani people risks being ineffective unless it introduces mandatory objectives and includes targeted funding, say civil society groups.

Polish government plays down moves to quit domestic violence treaty

Poland's right-wing government on Monday (27 July) played down a bid by its justice minister to withdraw from a landmark international treaty combating violence against women.

MINDSET – Moving the Ideas of Non-Discrimination: Supporting an Equality Transformation

EURACTIV joins forces with EURACTIV Romania, Jeunes Européens Fédéralistes and the Migration Policy Group to raise awareness on racial and ethnic discrimination thanks to MINDSET, a project financed by the European Commission.