The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen will present a plan against racism.
"Now is the time to build a truly anti-racist Union - by condemning racism, but also by taking action," she told the European Parliament.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, on Wednesday announced her intention to present "an action plan" against racism and "hate crimes, whether based on race, religion or gender or sexuality ".
"Now is the time to build a truly anti-racist Union - by condemning racism, but also by taking action", she declared during her annual State of the Union keynote address to the European Parliament.
"The Commission will present an action plan to start making this project a reality. In this context, we will propose to extend the list of offenses under EU law to all forms of hate crimes and hate speech. hatred - whether based on race, religion, gender or sexuality, ”she added.
"We will become tougher on law enforcement"
Among the expected developments, she pledged to strengthen "racial equality laws where gaps remain", but also to use the EU budget "to fight discrimination in areas such as employment, housing or health care ".
"We will become tougher on the application of the legislation in the event of delay in implementation," warned the German leader.
She also assured that the EU would improve "education and knowledge on the historical and cultural causes of racism", and tackle "unconscious prejudices, whether they arise from citizens, institutions, or even algorithms. ".
"In addition, the Commission will appoint its very first anti-racism coordinator in order to give this issue priority attention", she also announced.