Ligestilling, ikkeforskelsbehandling og racisme

"Manifestations of Antisemitism in the EU 2002 - 2003" details manifestations of antisemitism in the EU over a two-year period from 2002-2003 using data available by October 2003 and proposes policies to counter it. The second report, "Perceptions of Antisemitism in the European Union" provides snapshot interviews with members of the Jewish community. The main report shows that there has been an increase in antisemitic incidents in five EU countries, (Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK). Those incidents ranged from hate mail to arson. In some other countries there has been little evidence of increase in antisemitism.

The Agency commissioned the material for this report from its National Focal Points in 15 EU Member States. The report constitutes a unique collection of evidence on various forms of discrimination and disadvantage experienced by migrants and minorities in the education sector. The Report finds that migrant and minority ethnic groups are over-represented in educational establishments with lower academic demands, have higher drop out rates, lower school completion rates, and sometimes even face segregation into 'special needs schools'. As well as documenting inequality, discrimination and process of exclusion, the report also examples of good practices in the field of education. The report finishes with selected recommendations for the EU and its Member States.

The report was presented to the European Parliament beginning of December 2003, it provides information on the situation regarding racism and xenophobia in the Community and its Member States, and highlights examples of good practice.

During 2003 the two EU Council Directives on equality were due to be transposed into the legislation of Member States. This report, published by the EUMC in the same year, provides conclusive evidence for the necessity of these Directives, and indicates the need for corresponding anti-discrimination measures in employment.

Concern about the reported rise in Antisemitism and Islamophobia in Europe following the September 11 terrorist attacks against the US, led the Agency together with the European Commission to organise a series of Round Tables on these themes.

This summary highlights the key points of the EUMC Annual Report 2001.

The Agency published its third report on developments in racism, xenophobia and Antisemitism in the EU Member States. The Annual Report 2001 was presented to the public in Brussels on the 10 December 2002.

Following the terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001, the Agency asked its National Focal Points for a series of country reports on potential anti-Islamic reactions in the then 15 EU Member States. Key findings are summarised in a synthesis report on "Islamophobia in the EU after September 11".

The Internet has become a forum for over 300 million potential users around the world. Racist, violent and extremist organisations and groupings have been quick in learning to use this new medium and take advantage of its benefits through systematic and rational use. The Agency decided to commission research to examine both the scope and the content of home pages which call for the use of football as a platform for racist and violent activities.

The Report summarises a project of the Agency which aimed at collecting and comparing city approaches in the field of combating discrimination on grounds of religion.