On 1-2 October, the European Commission hosts the first Annual Colloquium on Fundamental Rights, in Brussels. First Vice-President Frans Timmermans and Commissioner Věra Jourová will lead discussions on how to fight antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred in Europe and foster tolerance and respect in our societies. The challenge is highlighted by a new Eurobarometer survey on discrimination, published today, which show that 50% of Europeans believe discrimination based on religion or beliefs is widespread. The survey also shows that Muslims suffer from the lowest levels of social acceptance among religious groups. Data from the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights on antisemitic offences, published yesterday, shows that 73% of respondents felt that antisemitism online has become worse over the last five years.
Ahead of the event First Vice-President Timmermans said: “Our collective responsibility to live together in tolerance and respect is particularly important at a time when we have a moral obligation to give refuge to people of various religions and cultures who arrive on our shores.”
Commissioner Jourová said: “Hate speech has no place in our society – whether physically or online. I will be working hard with national governments, EU institutions and the private sector, including IT companies, to counter online hate speech.”
Participants will focus on preventing antisemitic and anti-Muslim hate crime, tackling hate speech online, the role of local authorities, education and grassroots projects, and the current state of non-discrimination policies.
