While 2007 was the “European Year of Equal Opportunities for All” the 2007 European Network Against Racism (ENAR) Shadow Report on Racism in Europe demonstrates that many barriers still persist in European society.
Unfortunately, there is very little improvement in the situation of racism in Europe. 2007 has demonstrated the significance and persistence of racism in the European Union and highlights the need to retain a focus on racism and promote equality of treatment between European Union citizens and third country nationals.
Situations vary from country to country – some have a long tradition of living with ethnic minorities and have effective anti-discrimination legislation in place, while others have only very recent experience and are still hesitant to implement legislation. Despite the fact that almost all Member States have transposed the Race Directive, in many countries the resulting legislation has not been sufficient to transpose all aspects of the directive, and has had little impact.
Furthermore, the context of intra-EU migration has changed since the accession of “new” Member States in 2004 and in 2007, and there is worrying evidence of manifestations of racism and xenophobia against EU citizens – particularly against nationals of Bulgaria and Romania. Another distressing trend is the increase in incidents of racially motivated crime against visible minorities, including against people of African descent, across Europe.
In addition, the particular situation of the Roma across Europe urgently needs to be addressed. Indeed, the difficulties that the Roma face in all areas of life, coupled with a widespread negative attitude and prejudice from the general population, makes this community extremely vulnerable and leaves them at the margins of society.
Read report at http://cms.horus.be/files/99935/MediaArchive/pdf/Shadowreport2007_EN_Low%20final%20with%20corrections.pdf