No place for hate: a Europe united against hatred

Practical Information

• Composition of the study group & calendar
• Administrator in charge: June Sørensen Bedaton / Assistant: Ania Darmetko Doudkine

Summary

On 6 December 2023, the European Commission and the High Representative adopted a Communication on “No place for hate: a Europe united against hatred”, as a call for action to all Europeans to stand up against hatred and speak up for tolerance and respect.

Noting that Europe is experiencing an alarming increase in hate speech and hate crime and that evidence shows that Jewish and Muslim communities are particularly affected, the EC and the High Representative aim to step up the European efforts to fight hatred in all its forms.

The Communication therefore lists a variety of policies, including in the area of security, digital, education, culture and sport, where action will be reinforced. This includes additional funding to protect places of worship; a new Code of Conduct on countering illegal hate speech online; trainings for journalists on upholding media standards and recognising hate speech; and the designation of Envoys with an explicit mandate to maximise the potential of EU policies to combat hatred.

In early 2024, the EC will organise a high-level anti-hatred conference, which will be followed with European dialogues for reconciliation, bringing together citizens from across the EU, in particular young people, with decision-makers, experts and members of the most affected communities. This process will culminate in recommendations on how to build bridges across fractured communities.