Micah Jonah
March 22, 2026
Structural racism remains deeply entrenched across Europe, according to Michaela Moua, the European Union’s anti-racism coordinator. Speaking at a symposium in Amsterdam, Moua stressed that institutions must confront Europe’s colonial legacy to address ongoing inequalities.
Data from the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights shows that nearly half of people of African descent in the EU report experiencing discrimination, with many facing barriers to employment despite holding university degrees.
“Racism is not a relic of the past. It’s a living structure. It’s very tangible for many of us,” Moua said. She emphasized that dismantling entrenched inequalities is essential for the health of European democracies, called for better data collection on race and ethnicity, noting that practices still vary widely among member states.
The EU’s new anti-racism strategy, adopted in January, aims to strengthen enforcement of existing laws, enhance national action plans, and address racism in public administration. However, NGOs such as the European Network Against Racism have criticized the plan, arguing it does not offer a genuine commitment to reparatory justice or redress for the lasting effects of Europe’s colonial history.
