Equality

Equality, non-discrimination and racism

Equality is a core value of the EU. You have the right to fair treatment regardless of who you are, what you believe, or how you chose to live.

We carry out research and share expertise to help fight discrimination, inequality and racism in all its forms.

Highlights

  • Report / Paper / Summary
    27
    November
    2025
    This report looks at the breadth and depth of violence and neglect faced by people with disabilities living in institutions. It highlights the shortcomings by EU Member States in preventing violence and protecting those who are at a higher risk of experiencing it, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Based on research across all EU Member States and FRA observer candidate countries, the report calls for better protection, stronger prevention of violence, and clear accountability. It urges the EU and its Member States to implement their obligations around equality and fundamental rights.
  • Data explorer
    FRA’s 2024 survey on Roma and Travellers in Albania, Bulgaria, Czechia, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, North Macedonia, Portugal, Romania, Serbia and Spain collected information from 10,126 respondents living in private households who self-identify as Roma or Traveller, are 16 or older and have lived in the survey countries for at least the 12 months before the survey.
  • Report / Paper / Summary
    25
    November
    2024
    This report presents key results of the EU gender-based violence survey based on data from all 27 Member States. The report focuses on the overall prevalence of physical violence or threats and/or sexual violence by any perpetrator, violence perpetrated by women’s intimate partners and by other people (non-partners) and women’s experiences of sexual harassment at work.
  • Report / Paper / Summary
    25
    October
    2024
    Racism towards Muslims is increasing in countries across the EU. Muslims face racial discrimination and racist harassment because of their religion, skin colour or ethnic background. This report shows a sharp rise since the last survey in 2016.
    Publications and data
    The Fundamental Rights Report 2025 provides a comprehensive overview of the state of fundamental rights in the European Union, highlighting major developments and trends in 2024. This video provides an insight into the issues covered by this year's report.
    Our recent report looks at the breadth and depth of violence and neglect faced by people with disabilities living in institutions. It highlights the shortcomings by EU Member States in preventing violence and protecting those who are at a higher risk of experiencing it, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This video explains the key issues as well as the actions needed to ensure that a person’s need for care and support should never come at the expense of their safety and dignity.
    27
    November
    2025
    This report looks at the breadth and depth of violence and neglect faced by people with disabilities living in institutions. It highlights the shortcomings by EU Member States in preventing violence and protecting those who are at a higher risk of experiencing it, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Based on research across all EU Member States and FRA observer candidate countries, the report calls for better protection, stronger prevention of violence, and clear accountability. It urges the EU and its Member States to implement their obligations around equality and fundamental rights.
    13
    November
    2025
    FRA analysed 31 digital tools and systems across seven EU Member States, exploring potential positive and negative effects on victims, claimants and defendants. By identifying risks early, investing in skills and training, and embedding protections from the outset, policymakers and practitioners can build effective and inclusive justice systems. This report provides practical suggestions to help ensure that digitalised justice systems are accessible and deliver fair outcomes for all.
    The database provides up-to-date information on hate crime, incitement to violence and hatred, harassment, hate speech and discrimination against Muslims in the EU, Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia. Data for the United Kingdom exists up to 2019.
    30
    October
    2025
    This factsheet summarises key Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) and European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) cases on reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. Building on Article 2 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), the courts address employment, physical accessibility, and education. In collaboration, the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights and the European Court of Human Rights produced this short publication. It is designed to aid lawyers and policymakers in understanding and applying the jurisprudence in this area.
    Roma and Travellers in the EU have more jobs and better housing than before, but poverty, discrimination and segregation remain widespread, shows a new survey from the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA).
    2
    October
    2025
    This report examines the fundamental rights and living conditions of Roma and Travellers across 10 EU Member States and
    3 accession countries. The survey evaluates progress towards the EU Roma strategic framework’s 2030 objectives, covering areas such as discrimination, poverty, education, employment, health, and housing.
    FRA’s 2024 survey on Roma and Travellers in Albania, Bulgaria, Czechia, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, North Macedonia, Portugal, Romania, Serbia and Spain collected information from 10,126 respondents living in private households who self-identify as Roma or Traveller, are 16 or older and have lived in the survey countries for at least the 12 months before the survey.
    Challenging prejudice and stereotypes is not easy. But everything changes when we choose to truly see people for who they are. We can look beyond someone’s disability or skin colour – and see a person with their own dreams and aspirations. We can choose to understand, not assume. To connect, not exclude. So, pause. Look again. What do you choose to see?
    17
    September
    2025
    This report highlights the discrimination, harassment, violence, and non-consensual medical interventions faced by intersex people across 30 European countries, based on responses from nearly 2,000 participants in FRA's 2023 EU LGBTIQ Survey III. It reveals that many intersex individuals also identify as trans, non-binary, gender-diverse and have varied sexual orientations, which further compounds their experiences of discrimination. The report aims to support the development of laws and policies that promote the inclusion and dignity of intersex people.
    10
    June
    2025
    This publication is an excerpt from the Fundamental Rights Report 2025, the annual report of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA). It presents selected critical developments in fundamental rights in 2024, as well as the key findings and FRA opinions from the report’s chapters.
    10
    June
    2025
    The Fundamental Rights Report 2025 is the annual report of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA). It provides an overview of the state of fundamental rights in the EU and highlights selected critical developments and trends in 2024. The report covers issues such as inclusive elections, gender-based violence, and the implementation of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. It presents FRA’s opinions on these developments, setting out the actions that the EU and Member States should take. This annual publication is a valuable resource for those seeking to stay informed about the EU’s shifting landscape of fundamental rights.
    20
    March
    2025
    In recent years, the EU has taken steps to improve child protection, yet some Member States do not have an integrated approach. FRA first produced an overview of child protection systems in the EU in 2014, and an update in 2023. The data is published in FRA’s ‘Mapping of Child Protection Systems in the EU – Update 2023’. This report completements the 2023 update with comparative analysis and provides greater detail on children in vulnerable situations, care and the participation of children in matters affecting them. It also offers guidance on creating comprehensive frameworks that ensure that children’s rights are respected.
    30
    January
    2025
    This technical report presents in detail the stages of the survey implementation and the relevant information needed to assess the quality and reliability of the data.
    25
    November
    2024
    This report presents key results of the EU gender-based violence survey based on data from all 27 Member States. The report focuses on the overall prevalence of physical violence or threats and/or sexual violence by any perpetrator, violence perpetrated by women’s intimate partners and by other people (non-partners) and women’s experiences of sexual harassment at work.
    The results from the EU gender-based violence survey represent women aged 18 to 74 from across the EU. It covers experiences of physical, sexual and psychological violence, including domestic and non-partner violence. It also reports on sexual harassment at work.
    25
    October
    2024
    Racism towards Muslims is increasing in countries across the EU. Muslims face racial discrimination and racist harassment because of their religion, skin colour or ethnic background. This report shows a sharp rise since the last survey in 2016.
    11
    July
    2024
    Antisemitism is still a reality for many Jewish people in the EU today. Faced with prejudice and hostility, most feel unable to live openly Jewish lives. This report presents the results of FRA’s third EU survey of Jewish people’s experiences and perceptions of antisemitism. The survey took place before the Hamas attacks in October 2023 and the war in Gaza; however, it includes evidence from a consultation with national and European Jewish umbrella organisations since. It covers 13 EU Member States that together account for around 96 % of the EU’s Jewish population.
    The Fundamental Rights Report 2025 provides a comprehensive overview of the state of fundamental rights in the European Union, highlighting major developments and trends in 2024. This video provides an insight into the issues covered by this year's report.
    Our recent report looks at the breadth and depth of violence and neglect faced by people with disabilities living in institutions. It highlights the shortcomings by EU Member States in preventing violence and protecting those who are at a higher risk of experiencing it, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This video explains the key issues as well as the actions needed to ensure that a person’s need for care and support should never come at the expense of their safety and dignity.
    Roma and Travellers in the EU have more jobs and better housing than before, but poverty, discrimination and segregation remain widespread, shows a new survey from the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA).
    Challenging prejudice and stereotypes is not easy. But everything changes when we choose to truly see people for who they are. We can look beyond someone’s disability or skin colour – and see a person with their own dreams and aspirations. We can choose to understand, not assume. To connect, not exclude. So, pause. Look again. What do you choose to see?
    Findings from FRA’s Being Black in the EU report point to people of African descent experiencing widespread racism and discrimination in their daily lives.
    Young? Passionate about human rights? Having the right data can make a world of difference for your campaigning.
    On 7 May 2022, the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) organised the fourth Fundamental Rights Dialogue – a live debate that gives young people an opportunity to voice their fundamental rights concerns and to discuss ways to solve them.
    In this vlog, FRA Director Michael O'Flaherty, points to the need to recommit to human rights, as evidenced by the wide-ranging impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Here he refers to vaccine inequalities and the impact on marginalised communities, disadvantaged children and frontline workers. As he explains in this vlog, human rights can help fix and strengthen society so we are ready for the next pandemic.
    In this vlog, FRA Director Michael O'Flaherty talks about the importance of celebrating diversity in our societies. He calls on everyone to build bridges and listen to each other, so we can create a society where everyone is equal in dignity and in rights.
    In this vlog, FRA Director Michael O'Flaherty highlights the need to work together to tackle hate and discrimination in our societies.
    If we are serious about protecting fundamental rights, we need to start listening to young people and what they have to tell us. This message came through very strongly at the Fundamental Rights Forum 2021. As we kick off the European Year of Youth 2022, let’s look at why listening to young people is key to protecting their rights.
    In this vlog, FRA Director Michael O’Flaherty points to the urgent need to work towards a fairer society and asks us all, as we go forward, to work less for people in the struggle for equality, but much more with them.
    On 23 February 2021, FRA’s Director, Michael O’Flaherty, listened to fundamental rights concerns and discussed ways to solve them. The second Fundamental Rights Dialogue invited young people to participate in shaping our societies, placing human rights centre stage.
    Drawing on the ‘Encouraging hate crime reporting: the role of law enforcement and other authorities' report, in this infographic FRA outlines why reporting is so important and what must change to encourage hate crime reporting.
    On 16 June, the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights publishes the seventh of its bulletins on the fundamental rights impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In his vlog FRA Director draws attention to fundamental rights issues related to the roll out of the vaccines in the EU 27 Member States.
    There are many reasons for the police to stop someone. But prejudice should not be one of them. Find out what FRA is doing to end discriminatory police stops.
    There are many reasons why adults may find themselves in a situation of vulnerability - because of their age, health or disability. Vulnerable people are at greater risk of unfair treatment, exploitation or abuse. And cross-border settings can lead to additional obstacles. It's time to address these challenges and identify the needs of vulnerable adults so everyone can enjoy their fundamental rights.
    This video statement by FRA Director Michael O’Flaherty was recorded for the online event '2021 Mayors Summit Against Anti-Semitism' which took place on 16 March 2021. The event was hosted by the city of Frankfurt am Main in partnership with the Combat Anti-Semitism Movement (CAM).
    On 13 November, the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) hosted its first Fundamental Rights Dialogue - a virtual event that gave young people an opportunity to voice their fundamental rights concerns and discussed ways to solve them with FRA's Director Michael O'Flaherty.
    This video statement by FRA Director Michael O’Flaherty was recorded for the online event "Union of Equality: achievements and challenges ahead".
    The FRA Director and colleagues took part in a number of engagements under the Disability Rights Week from 2 to 4 December in Brussels, organised by EU institutions.
    FRA held an online information session on 5 December for public authorities on the findings of the report Places of care = places of safety? Violence against persons with disabilities in institutions.
    On 5 December, FRA shared insights from its work on digital accessibility and inclusion at the first Digital Accessibility Day in the European Parliament, held during Disability Rights Week.
    On 4 December, FRA spoke at the High-level Event: 60th Anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, organised by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD). The event commemorated six decades since the adoption of ICERD, reflecting on progress made and ongoing challenges in eliminating racial discrimination globally.
    FRA took part in the regular meeting of EURoma network. FRA presented the situation of Roma in Italy as well as the overall results of the recent Roma Survey 2024.
    FRA presented its work on countering antisemitism, including on the recording and monitoring hate crimes at the meeting of the Radicalisation Prevention Knowledge Hub meeting.
    FRA attended the EEA/Norway Grants in Bulgaria kick off meeting on 18-19 November for the financial mechanism 2021-2028. The Bulgarian National Focal Point (NFP) organised the meeting.
    FRA took part in a workshop on the LGBTIQ Equality Strategy (2026–2030) in Brussels organised by the European Parliament's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs.
    Neglect, abuse and violence against people with disabilities living in institutions are widespread across the EU. A new report from the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) shows how the normalisation of violence, barriers to reporting abuse and a lack of effective monitoring undermine the rights of people with disabilities. FRA calls on EU countries to take urgent action to prevent violence, protect victims and hold institutions accountable.
    FRA attended the EEA/Norway Grants in Czechia kick off meeting on 4 November for the financial mechanism 2021-2028. The Czech National Focal Point (NFP) organised the meeting.
    FRA attended the EU Subgroup on Equality Data country visit to Spain on 6 November. The visit was followed by a joint meeting with the Eurostat EQUAL Taskforce on 7 November.
    FRA gave a presentation on Roma surveys and their effect on inclusion policies during a workshop organised under the Council of Europe’s Roma Political Schools programme.
    On 10 November, FRA took part in a workshop on the EU LGBTIQ Equality Strategy (2026–2030) in Brussels. The European Parliament's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs organised the meeting.
    FRA joined the final meeting of the Working Group on Equality and Values in Education and Training in Brussels from 21 to 22 October. FRA contributed to discussions on teaching about the EU in schools and the challenges of doing so.
    FRA contributed to the exchange of views at the meeting of the Working Party on Fundamental Rights, Citizens' Rights and Free Movement of Persons (FREMP) on combating racism, antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred.
    FRA’s Director Sirpa Rautio took part in a conference on the Genocide of Roma and Sinti. She was part of the panel on 'Genocide of Roma and Sinti: Distortion and Discrimination'. She highlighted how findings from the FRA Roma Survey 2024 can guide policy under the EU Roma Strategic Framework.
    FRA and the European Court of Human Rights have produced the latest in a series of joint thematic factsheets. This factsheet focuses on reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities within the context of EU law and the European Convention on Human Rights.
    FRA attended the EU high-level group on combating hate speech and hate crime. The event focused on taking stock of achievements of the group. This includes the Working group on hate crime reporting, recording and data collection, which was facilitated by FRA.
    The EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) has released an updated version of its anti-Muslim hatred database. It includes information on recent incidents, legal measures, judicial trends and institutional responses. The database also tracks broader patterns anti-Muslim discrimination, hate crime and hate speech across Europe. The information collected spans from 2012 to 2024.
    FRA brought the perspective of a human rights-based approach to anti-poverty and social rights work during an expert roundtable on the EU Anti-Poverty Strategy. FRA shared its experience and contribution by data and research about the life experiences of rightsholders and the responses of duty bearers.
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    FRA will host a consultation meeting in Vienna from 28 to 29 January. It will bring together Ombuds Offices for Children and leading child rights advocates from across Europe.
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    FRA will contribute to a European Commission's Working Group meeting on the implementation of the EU Strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life. It takes place from 13 to 14 January in Brussels.
    On 10 December, Human Rights Day, FRA and the Bulgarian Fund for Women will host a national outreach meeting in Sofia. The ‘Between Statistics and Reality: Domestic Violence in Bulgaria Beyond the Numbers’ event will discuss the latest EU data on violence against women.
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    FRA will give a presentation during the plenary meeting of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).
    The Center for the Study of Democracy and FRA will host a National Round Table spotlighting Roma equality and inclusion. The event will present the Roma survey 2024 results, revealing both progress and persistent gaps in poverty, education, housing, and discrimination.
    FRA will deliver a keynote speech during the Queer in Vienna conference on 13 November. FRA will speak about the role of data protecting fundamental rights and promoting equality using the case of its EU LGBTIQ Survey.
    FRA will speak the Academy of European Law (ERA) about its work on disability.
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    FRA will speak at a high-level conference on disability in Copenhagen. Experts from the Member States, the EU, organisations and civil society representatives will attend.
    FRA will contribute to the 4th Child-Friendly Justic European Network annual seminar on 23 October on bridging child protection and child justice. It will join an interactive session on strengthening the capacities and the roles of child protection systems in Europe.
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    FRA will host a consultation meeting on violence against people with disabilities in institutions from 21 to 22 October. It will build on key findings of FRA’s forthcoming comparative report on laws and practices to prevent and protect against violence towards people with disabilities in institutions in the EU.
    On 13 October, the Agency will take participate in the 7th Advisory Board meeting of the EU Children’s Participation Platform. FRA is a Board member.
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    FRA will host the workshop of the Justice and Home Affairs Agencies Network and selected other agencies to discuss the collection and use of data on gender-based violence.
    FRA will contribute to discussions on the EU anti-poverty strategy. Participants will discuss how international human rights standards and the Guiding Principles on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights can inform the EU Anti-Poverty Strategy.
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    FRA will attend the 10th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible for Youth in Valletta from 9 to 10 October. The event brings together young people and policymakers to exchange ideas, strengthen democratic participation and shape European youth policy.
    On 29 September, FRA will hold a multilateral partner strategic cooperation workshop. This event will bring together a diverse group of actors who are active in the fields of memory, remembrance, and countering antisemitism.
    FRA will join the National Roma Contact Points meeting organised by the European Commission. FRA will present results of the Roma survey 2024.
    FRA Director Sirpa Rautio will give a speech at the launch of the Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner's report on the human rights situation of Roma and Travellers.
    FRA Director Sirpa Rautio will join the high-level political panel at the 18th European Platform for Roma Inclusion meeting. She will announce FRA's publication with results from the Roma Survey 2024 that will be available on 2 October.
    FRA will present selected results of the EU gender-based violence survey at a conference on 17 September in Vienna. The University of Vienna and UN Office on Drugs and Crime are organising the event.
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    FRA will contribute to the first session of the UN Human Rights Office’s open-ended intergovernmental working group that will explore a draft optional protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. It will look at the rights to early childhood education, free pre-primary and secondary education.