Tackling Hatred in Society

Why are we discussing hatred in society?

Europe today is experiencing an alarming increase in hate speech and hate crime. Not only does hatred impact the individuals, groups and communities directly targeted, but it can also polarise and inhibit democratic debate.

In December 2023, the European Commission adopted a Communication titled “No place for hate: a Europe united against hatred”. This Communication calls for a citizen-led discussion on ways to move from hatred and division to the shared enjoyment of equality, respect for human rights and dignity. These are values enshrined in the Treaty on European Union, which represents the social contract that keeps us together as citizens of the EU.

How can I join the EU-wide debate on tackling hatred in society?

What can we do about hate and how can we enhance mutual respect in our societies? Do you have a personal experience or idea to share on how we can enhance mutual respect in our societies? Do you have a recommendation that can support the European Commission’s future work on combatting hate speech and hate crime?

We would like to hear your views on tackling hatred in society. This is a space for respectful debate where you can share your views and engage with other citizens.

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How will the Commission follow up on collected ideas?

All contributions made on the Platform, as well as those arising from discussions of the European Citizens’ Panel, will be analysed by the European Commission and taken into consideration in the preparation of future policies.

Tackling Hatred: What’s at stake?

While it is not easy to measure the magnitude of hate, some figures may be illustrative:

Hateful toxicity increased by 30% between January - September 2023 out of 8 million online messages analysed in the EU.
55% of the respondents to a survey of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights experienced racial discrimination in the EU more than three times from 2022 to 2023.
One in three women have experienced physical or sexual violence at least once.

What has the EU done so far on this issue?

The framework for action against hatred at EU level comprises both regulatory and policy initiatives. The below overview is non-exhaustive: follow this link to read more on the legal and policy framework for combating hate speech and hate crime in the EU.

Existing measures to combat hate speech and hate crime

Measures to tackle illegal hate speech online

The European Citizens’ Panel on Tackling Hatred in Society has submitted its recommendations to the European Commission

Over three weekends, 150 randomly selected citizens representing all 27 EU Member States have been coming together to discuss the various causes and drivers of hatred in the EU and different fields of action to address them.

Together, the citizens have put forward a series of recommendations that will contribute to shaping future EU laws and feed into upcoming Commission initiatives.

Full list of recommendations

Find out more

two citizen hand over the recommendations of the Tackling Hatred in Society debate.

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Find out more about tackling hatred in society

European Commission - Combatting hate speech and hate crime