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

  • 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
  • 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.
  • Report / Paper / Summary
    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.
    Publications and data
    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.
    Periodic updates / Series
    16
    June
    2021
    This Coronavirus Bulletin focuses on equitable access to vaccines. It outlines the situation in the 27 EU Member States from 1 March to 30 April 2021. The bulletin looks at two main areas: planning and prioritisation in deploying Covid-19 vaccinations and their rollout in the countries. It covers information and communication campaigns, as well as (pre)registration channels for and the administration of vaccinations.
    10
    June
    2021
    The year 2020 brought both progress and setbacks in terms of fundamental rights protection. FRA’s Fundamental Rights Report 2021 reviews major developments in the field, identifying both achievements and remaining areas of concern. This publication presents FRA’s opinions on the main developments in the thematic areas covered, and a synopsis of the evidence supporting these opinions.
    10
    June
    2021
    FRA’s Fundamental Rights Report 2021 reviews major developments in the field in 2020, identifying both achievements and areas of concern. It also presents FRA’s opinions on these developments, including a synopsis of the evidence supporting these opinions. This year’s focus chapter explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on fundamental rights. The remaining chapters cover: the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights; equality and non-discrimination; racism, xenophobia and related intolerance; Roma equality and inclusion; asylum, borders and migration; information society, privacy and data protection; rights of the child; access to justice; and the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
    10
    June
    2021
    This focus looks at COVID-19’s impact on fundamental rights. It underscores that a human rights-based approach to tackling the pandemic requires balanced measures that are based on law, necessary, temporary and proportional. It also requires addressing the pandemic’s socio-economic impact, protecting the vulnerable and fighting racism.
    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.
    Opinion / Position Paper
    30
    April
    2021
    This opinion illustrates the extent and nature of lived experiences of inequality and discrimination across the EU. It does so with reference to the grounds of discrimination and areas of life covered by the racial and employment equality directives, as well as in relation to the grounds and areas covered by the proposed Equal Treatment Directive.
    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.
    30
    March
    2021
    FRA’s 2019 survey on Roma and Travellers in Belgium, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom interviewed almost 4 700 Roma and Travellers, collecting information on more than 8 200 individuals living in their households.
    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).
    The COVID-19 pandemic has an impact on everyone. Governments take urgent measures to curb its spread to safeguard public health and provide medical care to those who need it. They are acting to defend the human rights of health and of life itself. Inevitably, these measures limit our human and fundamental rights to an extent rarely experienced in peacetime. It is important to ensure that such limitations are consistent with our legal safeguards and that their impact on particular groups is adequately taken account of.
    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".
    27
    November
    2020
    Roma and Travellers living in western EU countries are less often in the limelight than those living in central, eastern and southern EU countries. While they represent a smaller proportion of the population in the west, they also face problems with social exclusion, marginalisation and discrimination. These country sheets present findings from the survey conducted by FRA in 2019 covering Roma and Travellers populations in Belgium, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The survey included interviews with almost 4,700 Roma and Travellers, collecting information on more than 8,200 individuals living in their households.
    29
    September
    2020
    Often living in substandard and overcrowded housing conditions, Roma and Travellers face an increased risk of contracting COVID-19. They are also disproportionately affected by measures taken to contain the virus. This FRA Bulletin takes a closer look at this reality in 15 EU Member States, focusing on education; employment; poverty; healthcare; housing; and anti-Gypsyism. It also outlines civil society efforts to tackle the diverse challenges triggered by the Coronavirus pandemic.
    23
    September
    2020
    This report presents findings from FRA’s 2019 survey on Roma and Travellers in Belgium, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The survey included interviews with almost 4,700 Roma and Travellers, collecting information on more than 8,200 individuals living in their households.
    Although many steps have been taken in recent years to change LGBTI people’s lives for the better in the EU, there is still a long way to go, notes FRA Director Michael O'Flaherty in this video message to Athens Pride 2020.
    In his latest vlog, FRA Director Michael O'Flaherty speaks about the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Roma community. Roma children are in danger of losing almost a whole year of schooling. It’s like losing a generation. It’s robbing children of the one place where they can have hope and dream the same dreams of every other child.
    10
    September
    2020
    Antisemitism can be expressed in the form of verbal and physical attacks, threats, harassment, discrimination and unequal treatment, property damage and graffiti or other forms of speech or text, including on the internet. Antisemitic incidents and hate crimes violate fundamental rights, especially the right to human dignity, the right to equality of treatment and the freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
    On 26 September, FRA took part in the Roundtable and Steering Committee meeting of the joint child-friendly justice project. This is an initiative that started through partnership meetings between the Council of Europe, the European Commission and FRA to move towards more child-friendly justice systems.
    A third of women in the EU have experienced violence at home, at work or in public. Young women report having experienced higher levels of sexual harassment at work and other forms of violence than older women. Yet violence against women often remains invisible as only every fourth woman reports incidents to the authorities (the police, or social, health or support services). These are some of the findings of the EU survey on gender-based violence conducted from 2020 to 2024 by Eurostat (the statistical office of the EU), the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) and the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE).
    FRA attended two meetings in Brussels in the framework of a country visit to Belgium of the EU Subgroup on Equality Data. The Belgian Equal Opportunities Division hosted and chaired the country visit to Belgium on 4. November.
    FRA took part in a series of meetings in Brussels on antiracism and equality from 16 to 18 October.
    FRA took part in the EU Energy Poverty Advisory Hub international conference on the theme of 'Turning the tide: paving the way for energy poverty alleviation' on 15-16 October 2024.
    One in two Muslims in the EU face racism and discrimination in their daily life – a sharp rise since 2016. Muslim women, men and children are targeted not just because of their religion, but also because of their skin colour and ethnic or immigrant background. Young Muslims born in the EU and women wearing religious clothing are especially affected. These are some of the findings of the latest report from the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA).
    Climate experts and child rights experts across Europe, NGOs, practitioners, academics, and children gathered for a meeting of European the Network of Child-friendly Justice. They discussed the diverse situations and challenges children encounter due to the impact of climate change while seeking access to justice and legal remedies.
    FRA presented its work during two international antiracism conferences in Germany.
    FRA contributed to a two-day expert meeting on the implementation of EU equality law. FRA was there alongside the European Gender Equality Institute (EIGE) and the European Network of Equality Bodies (EQUINET), as an observer.
    FRA took part in an event preceding the regular Conference of Parties on climate change that will later take place in Baku on 11-22 November. It brought together businesses and representatives of international organisations.
    FRA presented its work on antiracism and anti-Muslim hatred to the Council of the EU’s Working Party on Fundamental Rights, Citizens' Rights and Free Movement of Persons (FREMP).
    On 20 September, FRA attended the closing Cooperation Committee meeting under the EEA and Norway Grants in Czechia’s Programme on Human Rights, Roma Inclusion, and Domestic and Gender-based Violence. The committee discussing the final stage of the programme’s implementation.
    FRA joined a panel on effective prosecution of antisemitic incidents and the role of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism. It formed part of a meeting of the European Commission Working Group on antisemitism.
    FRA’s Director delivered a keynote speech in the opening panel of the 28th Annual Conference of the European Network of Ombudspersons for Children. The focus was on protecting and promoting the rights of children in alternative care.
    On 16-17 September, FRA attended the meeting of the Technical Advisory Group on violence against women prevalence estimation and data. The meeting was held at the headquarters of the World Health Organization in Geneva.
    FRA attended online Roma workshops organised by the UN Development Programme and the World Bank. They were part of the EU-funded project Multi-country Survey on the socio-economic vulnerabilities of Roma in Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine.
    Antisemitism persists in the EU, affecting Jews both online and offline. Concerns over safety and frequent experiences of harassment force many to conceal their Jewish identity. These alarming insights come from the latest survey by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA). The EU and some of its Member States have put in place measures and action plans to tackle antisemitism. EU countries need to build on these efforts to ensure Jews can live their lives with dignity, free from hate and fear. This is especially important given the impact that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has had on Jewish communities in Europe.
    FRA attended a workshop on Roma integration in the Western Balkans on 18 June. The European Commission and its Joint Research Centre organised the event.
    FRA joined online a Working Group meeting on Confronting Hate speech. The European Commission’s Working Group on Equality and Values organised the meeting on 20 and 21 June.
    On 25 June, FRA presented its ongoing project on fundamental rights protection of people with disabilities in institutions during an online meeting of the European Disability Platform.
    FRA will present its work on the fundamental rights impact of the cost of living crisis in the EU during a meeting of the Social rights platform. The focus will be on the social rights of young people.
    On 24 June, FRA will welcome a group of students from the Central European University.
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    FRA will contribute to the Eurocities Working Group on Roma inclusion in Vantaa on 13 and 14 June. FRA will present key findings from its project on Local engagement for Roma Integration.
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    FRA will attend the 12th meeting of the EU High-Level group on combating hate speech and hate crime. The event is jointly organised with the Belgium Presidency of the Council of the EU.
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    FRA’s director will deliver a keynote speech on 6 May at a European Conference on Antisemitism. She will join a High-Level Panel on ‘Antisemitism as the new normal?’.
    On 6 May, FRA will present key findings from its new report on ‘Addressing Racism in Policing’.
    FRA will speak to the Council of the EU’s Working Party on Fundamental Rights, Citizens Rights and Free Movement of Persons (FREMP) on 13 May in Brussels. The meeting will be dedicated to the end of the International Decade for People of African Descent.
    On 30 April, FRA will hold a webinar on Mapping Child Protection Systems in the EU – Update 2023. The webinar will take place from 14:00-15:30 pm CEST.
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    FRA will present its work on the LGBTIQ survey at the LGBTIQ Equality Subgroup meeting that runs from 19 to 20 March.
    On 20 March, FRA will hold an inception meeting with partners from its Franet research network for a new project on violence against people with disabilities in institutions.
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    Between 21 and 23 February, FRA will take part in train-the-trainer sessions in Romania on tackling hate crime. The event is aimed at prosecutors, law enforcement and other relevant professionals.
    FRA will present findings from its ‘Being Black in the EU - experiences of people of African descent’ report at an online event in Ireland. The event takes place on 15 February.
    On 28 November, the EU Network of Member States will meet in Brussels. They will discuss the European Commission’s Recommendation on integrated child protection systems and accompanying Staff Working Document that are currently under preparation.
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    FRA will take part in the International Conference on Human Rights of Older Persons 2023. FRA will present the findings of its report on the fundamental rights of older people and ensuring access to digital public services.
    On 23 November, FRA will hold a webinar on findings from its report on fundamental rights of older people. The discussion will centre on the digital skills of older people in Europe.
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    The OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) will hold its annual meeting of National Points of Contact on Combating Hate Crimes.
    The European Network of Equality Bodies (Equinet) will hold a workshop on how Equality Bodies can support deinstitutionalisation from a multi ground perspective.
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    FRA will join an expert workshop that will focus on sharing national experiences with online and offline public campaigns against hate crime and hate speech.
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    FRA will take part in an international seminar organised by the Spanish National Office for Combating Hate Crimes. It falls under the Spanish presidency of the Council of the EU.
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    From 22 to 23 October, FRA will take part in the next Advisory Board meeting in Brussels of the EU Children’s Participation Platform.