EU Anti-Racism Chief Warns Discrimination Remains Deeply Embedded Across Europe

AMSTERDAM — EU Anti-Racism Chief Michaela Moua warned that discrimination remains deeply embedded across Europe and urged stronger action to tackle systemic racism and inequality in member states.

Speaking Saturday at a symposium on racism in Amsterdam, Moua said nearly half of individuals of African descent in the European Union report experiencing discrimination in their daily lives.

She highlighted workplace inequality, noting that many highly educated individuals of African descent face significant barriers to employment despite holding university degrees.

Moua stressed that addressing entrenched inequality is essential for the health of democratic systems. She described racism as a "living structure" rather than a thing of the past, warning of its urgency amid the current political climate.

The European Union adopted a new anti-racism strategy in January, aimed at strengthening enforcement of existing laws and improving national action plans.

However, the European Network Against Racism has criticized the strategy, saying it lacks meaningful commitments to address historical injustices and systemic inequalities.

Moua's remarks highlight ongoing concerns that without stronger measures, structural racism will continue to undermine equality and social cohesion across Europe.