Racism remains a deeply ingrained and escalating issue in Europe, with almost half of people of African descent in European Union member states reporting instances of
discrimination, ranging from racial slurs hurled at their children to landlords refusing to rent them homes, according to a survey conducted by the EU's rights agency.
The survey, titled "Being Black in the EU," polled 6,752 individuals of African descent across 13 countries, including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden. It unveiled that 45% of respondents have encountered racial discrimination, marking a significant increase from the 39% reported in 2016.
Some of the most disheartening results emerged from Austria and Germany, where 72% and 76%, respectively, stated they felt discriminated against over the last five years. These figures have risen significantly from 2016, where only 51% and 52% of respondents in Austria and Germany reported discrimination.
The survey's findings paint a distressing picture of escalating racism, with the rise of far-right political parties in countries like Germany and Austria further exacerbating the issue. The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), an anti-immigration party, emerged as the third-largest party in Germany and the largest opposition party after the 2017 federal elections. While their performance in 2021 was less robust, the party's influence continues to grow.
In June, an AfD politician was elected to the position of district administrator in Germany, equivalent to that of a mayor, marking the party's increased prominence. In Austria, the Freedom Party (FPÖ), originally established in 1956 and led by a former Nazi functionary and SS officer, currently leads in the polls, suggesting they are poised to win the upcoming general election.
The survey's results have elicited strong reactions, with Michael O’Flaherty, director of the EU's fundamental rights agency, labeling them as "shameful." He has urged all EU member states to compile comprehensive equality data, including data related to ethnic and racial backgrounds. Notably, Germany refrains from collecting census data on racial or ethnic diversity due to sensitivities stemming from World War II.
O’Flaherty stressed the urgency of addressing this issue, stating, "It is shocking to see no improvement since our last survey in 2016. Instead, people of African descent face ever more discrimination just because of the color of their skin. Racism and discrimination should have no place in our societies. The EU and its member states should use these findings to better target their efforts and ensure people of African descent can enjoy their rights freely without racism and discrimination."
The impact of racism is palpable in the daily lives of those affected. According to the survey, 23% of respondents said private property owners had denied them rental housing due to their racial or ethnic background. Furthermore, 23% reported incidents where someone made offensive or threatening comments to their children based on their ethnicity or immigrant status. Shockingly, nearly two in five parents in Ireland (39%), Germany, and Finland (both at 38%), as well as Austria (37%), reported such experiences.
These findings underscore the pressing need for action to combat racial discrimination and promote diversity and inclusion throughout Europe. The results of this survey serve as a stark reminder of the work required to build a more equitable and inclusive society for all its members, regardless of their racial or ethnic backgrounds. Photo: Gémes Sándor/SzomSzed, Wikimedia commons.