Structural racism remains deeply embedded across Europe, according to the European Union’s anti-racism coordinator, who is urging institutions to confront longstanding inequalities and their historical roots.

As reported in Reuters, speaking at a symposium in Amsterdam, Michaela Moua warned that discrimination continues to affect large segments of the population, particularly people of African descent. Data from the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights shows that nearly half of respondents from this group report experiencing discrimination, while many also face barriers in the job market despite holding university degrees.

“Racism is not a relic of the past. It’s a living structure,” Moua said, stressing the urgency of addressing the issue, especially in the current political climate. She emphasized that dismantling entrenched inequalities is essential for the proper functioning of democratic societies.

Moua also pointed to the need for improved data collection across EU member states, noting significant differences in how countries track information related to race and ethnicity. Better data, she argued, is key to understanding and effectively tackling discrimination.

The European Union recently adopted a new anti-racism strategy aimed at strengthening enforcement of existing laws, enhancing national action plans, and addressing discrimination within public institutions. However, the plan has already drawn criticism from non-governmental organizations.

Advocacy groups argue that the strategy falls short of delivering meaningful change, particularly in addressing the long-term consequences of Europe’s colonial past. Critics say it lacks a clear commitment to reparatory justice and broader measures to redress historical inequalities.