The European Commission has unveiled a new EU Anti-Racism Strategy for 2026–2030, reaffirming its commitment to building a Europe where equality is not just a principle, but
a lived reality for everyone.
Adopted today, the strategy sets out a comprehensive roadmap to combat racism in all its forms and to ensure that people across the European Union can participate fully in society, free from discrimination. While the EU has made notable progress over the past five years, racism remains a deep-rooted challenge. According to the latest Eurobarometer survey, nearly two in three Europeans still believe racial discrimination is widespread in their country.
Building on progress, responding to reality
The new strategy builds on the EU Anti-Racism Action Plan 2020–2025, which helped integrate anti-racism measures across EU policies and address structural barriers linked to racial discrimination. However, the Commission acknowledges that legislation and awareness alone are not enough. Persistent inequalities in education, employment, healthcare and housing show that more targeted and coordinated action is needed.
The updated strategy therefore focuses on three core priorities: enforcing existing anti-discrimination laws, fostering inclusion across key sectors of society, and strengthening partnerships at local, national and European levels.
Stronger enforcement and protection for victims
A central pillar of the strategy is the improved enforcement of EU anti-discrimination legislation. The Commission will assess how the Racial Equality Directive, in force since 2000, is applied across Member States, identifying gaps and considering stronger sanctions where rules are not properly enforced.
Measures to tackle hate speech and hate crime will also be reinforced. This includes empowering victims through existing EU legislation, such as the Victims’ Rights Directive, and exploring ways to better align definitions of online hate offences across the EU, while safeguarding freedom of expression. Equality bodies in Member States will receive additional support to ensure they meet EU standards and can effectively protect citizens’ rights.
Tackling discrimination in everyday life
Beyond legal frameworks, the strategy aims to embed anti-racism into daily life. An EU-wide equality campaign will be launched to raise awareness and encourage citizens to actively support inclusion and diversity.
The Commission will also work with Member States to address bias and inequality in essential services. Planned actions include tackling discrimination in healthcare practices, improving access to quality jobs, and assessing housing risks faced by the most vulnerable groups. Better collection and use of equality data—within national legal frameworks—will help policymakers understand where discrimination persists and how best to address it.
A shared responsibility across society
The Commission stresses that eliminating racism cannot be achieved by institutions alone. The strategy calls for coordinated action involving EU institutions, national governments, local and regional authorities, equality bodies, civil society, the private sector, and international organisations.
The EU Anti-Racism Coordinator will continue to play a key role in fostering dialogue between policymakers, civil society and academia. In addition, under the next Multiannual Financial Framework, the Commission has proposed increased funding for anti-racism civil society organisations through the Democracy, Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme under AgoraEU.
What comes next
The EU Anti-Racism Strategy 2026–2030 explicitly addresses all forms of racism, including anti-Black racism, antigypsyism, antisemitism, anti-Asian racism and anti-Muslim hatred. Member States will be supported in developing and implementing national action plans, and the Commission will take action where EU law is not respected.
A key milestone will be the fourth report on the application of the Racial Equality Directive, due in 2026. This report will pay particular attention to enforcement and to the growing risks of algorithm-driven discrimination linked to the use of artificial intelligence.
Progress under the strategy will be closely monitored, with a mid-term review planned to assess results and adjust actions where needed.
A long-term commitment to equality
The strategy is part of the Commission’s broader vision for a “Union of Equality” and follows the political guidelines of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the mission priorities of Commissioner Hadja Lahbib. It also aligns closely with other EU equality strategies and reflects input from citizens, including recommendations from the European Citizens’ Panel on Combatting Hatred in Society.
By combining stronger enforcement, practical measures and broad cooperation, the Commission aims to turn Europe’s commitment to equality into tangible change—ensuring that racism has no place in the EU’s future.