Survey Finds ‘Worrying Surge’ in Racism Against Muslims in Europe

Muslims across Europe are facing a growing wave of racism, driven by “dehumanizing anti-Muslim rhetoric,” according to a new report from the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA). A survey of 9,600 Muslims across 13 EU countries found that nearly half of respondents (47%) had experienced discrimination, up from 39% in 2016.

The report highlights that Muslims are encountering racism in various aspects of life, including education, housing, and the job market, with many overqualified for their roles or blocked from renting homes due to prejudice. The FRA also linked the rise of the far-right in several countries, like Austria and Germany, to increased discrimination rates.

The survey, conducted before the October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel, points to further escalation in anti-Muslim incidents amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. The FRA has called for stronger measures against discrimination and improved data collection to better address racism in the EU.