If you are of a different race or ethnic background to most people where you live, you might face discrimination when you look for a job, or your child may be treated unfairly at school. The EU is founded on respect for human rights, including those of minorities, and looks after your interests, even if you do not have EU citizenship.

EU law prohibits discrimination on racial or ethnic grounds in employment, education and training, social protection, and access to goods and services. Harassment based on race or ethnicity, and incitement to discrimination or hatred (including online hate speech) are also totally banned under EU law. Thanks to the EU, people who perpetrate this kind of offence are considered criminals; if you are a victim of such a crime, you can demand treatment according to basic common principles set for all EU countries.

Although the EU has introduced legislation to combat racial and xenophobic discrimination since 2000, problems persist. In a 2019 EU-wide Eurobarometer survey, over half of Europeans said they believe racial or ethnic discrimination to be widespread in their country. A 2023 EU Fundamental Rights Agency report found that 45 % of people of African descent still face racial discrimination

The EU funds projects under the 2020-2025 anti-racism action plan to help minorities, and provides a check-list to collect data on how each EU country fights discrimination. It also helps countries exchange best practice. The European Parliament has called for combating all forms of racism and discrimination, and for quick reactions against hate speech and crime.