A recent survey by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) reveals that Muslims across Europe are experiencing a significant increase in racism, driven in part by “dehumanizing anti-Muslim rhetoric.” Nearly half of the 9,600 Muslim respondents from 13 EU countries reported facing discrimination in various areas of life.
The report, published Thursday, highlights cases of children being bullied, restricted access to job opportunities, and bias in housing markets. Although the survey was completed before the October 2023 Gaza conflict, ongoing reports from civil organizations indicate that anti-Muslim incidents have continued to rise since the conflict began.
“We are witnessing a worrying surge in racism and discrimination against Muslims in Europe,” stated FRA Director Sirpa Rautio, attributing this increase partly to the spread of anti-Muslim rhetoric. Following the October 7 attacks, officials across Europe have worked to address hate crimes affecting both Muslim and Jewish communities, which have included incidents like attempted arson at a Berlin synagogue and threatening letters sent to mosques in France.
The survey found that the percentage of Muslims facing racism had risen, with 47% reporting discrimination between 2017 and 2022—up from 39% in 2016. In Austria, where the far-right Freedom Party gained recent popularity, 71% of Muslims reported experiencing racism. Similarly, in Germany, where the anti-immigration Alternative für Deutschland has been on the rise, 68% of Muslims reported facing discrimination.
The data also showed widespread challenges in employment, housing, and education. Over one-third of respondents faced job discrimination, with 41% in positions below their qualifications. Housing discrimination also rose, with 35% saying they faced obstacles in renting or buying property—an increase from 22% in 2016. Additionally, young Muslims reported particularly high discrimination rates, with over half of those born in Europe saying they faced bias when seeking employment.
Women wearing religious clothing, such as headscarves, experienced even higher discrimination levels, especially in the job market. Only 6% of respondents reported incidents of discrimination or filed formal complaints, highlighting a lack of confidence in the reporting process.
The FRA urges EU member states to strengthen penalties for discrimination and hate crimes and to collect data on racial and ethnic diversity. These findings echo previous reports on racial discrimination across the EU and underline the persistence of racism, underscoring the need for targeted actions.
