Unity and diversity are two very popular concepts in Europe, which is home to over 742 million people from different countries, backgrounds and social upbringings.
Every year, millions of people choose to build their new lives in European countries in hopes of finding better living conditions and more job opportunities. However, challenges often await them, including social integration into the new communities.
In this article, Schengen Visa Info has delved deeper into the complexities of racism as a main barrier for foreigners to adopt in the European zone by identifying five countries where the phenomenon of racism is less common.
The following have emerged as the least racist countries in Europe:
United Kingdom
Score: 4.28
The United Kingdom has come up as the least racist country in the European continent, which can be a combination of a long history of emigration and a restless job that the government has done to improve the lives of immigrants in the country.
When asked about how big of a problem racial discrimination is in the country where respondents live, the share of those who were concerned about the phenomenon was not as high as those who were not.
In total, the United Kingdom scored 4.28 points, while South Africa ranked the highest with an average score of 6.86. The country also ranks 16th on a global scale for racial equality.
Portugal
Score: 3.72
This EU country is known for its unique blend of cultures and nationalities; many South American nationals, especially Brazilians, people of African descent, and Brits, have chosen Portugal as their new home in recent years.
The truth is, Portugal rarely ever disappoints, as it is one of the most racially diverse countries in Europe, if not in the world. The country has restlessly worked to improve its laws and welcome all newcomers, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or religious beliefs.
Portugal ranks 13th on a global scale for racial equality while scoring 3.72 points in the study carried out by Index Mundi. In addition, the prevalence of racist harassment stood at six per cent, which is the lowest record among the EU countries.
Spain
Score: 4.52
Based on the Index Mundi study, Spain scored 4.52, which is the best score out of all countries. In addition, the prevalence of racist harassment in Spain was set at 16 per cent in the FRA’s most recent study. These results position Spain high on the list of least racist EU countries.
One of the reasons why this country has managed to reduce racial discrimination can be related to several laws that the government has passed to tackle this particular issue. A UN report reveals that the country has changed its Criminal Code to include racism as an “aggravated circumstance” in any crime, which can lead to harsher punishment.
Spain is a diverse country where people of different racial backgrounds have settled, including Moroccans, Ecuadorians, and Chinese.
Poland
Score: 3.58
Out of 6,750 black people surveyed in 13 member states, 19 per cent of them revealed that they have experienced discrimination in Poland during the last 12 months. This is considerably less than the 67 per cent share, which is evident in Austria, as the FRA report reveals.
The same data show that, in general, there is a rise in discrimination occurring in the EU, with the increase surpassing its 2018 levels. The FRA reports also found that experiences of racism had increased in most European countries between 2016 and 2022, which closely corresponds with the rise in immigration.
Thousands of immigrants now live in Poland, many of them coming from Ukraine, Belarus, Germany, and Russia. The country ranks 25th internationally for racial equality.
Sweden
Score: 4.50
Sweden ranks fourth in racial equality globally, being the highest-ranked country on this list. However, the FRA report reveals that 21 per cent of individuals who participated in the study reported experiences of racism in the past 12 months.
While the country has a reputation for progressive policies and inclusivity, incidents of discrimination remain a challenge. The overall trend in Europe shows an increase in discrimination, and Denmark and Finland – two neighbouring countries of Sweden have not remained neutral to this trend.
Data show that 41 per cent of respondents had experienced racism in Denmark back in 2016. This share increased to 43 per cent in 2022. However, the significant change was even more concerning for Finland, as 45 per cent of respondents said they had been discriminated against in 2016. This share increased to 54 per cent in 2022, revealing that more than half of respondents had been subjected to racial discrimination in the Nordic country.
Methodology
The final score of each country included in this list is based on a study conducted by Index Mundi that considers ten different factors for racial discrimination, among which are the violation of human rights, economic disparities and impact on mental health.
From a general point of view, racism is a violation of human rights, which steals individuals from their right to equal treatment. Racism practices also undermine social cohesion, creating divisions and fostering a sense of inequality.
Racist beliefs or ideologies also have a significant impact on the mental health of those who experience it, affecting their education and employment chances, which eventually results in poverty and inequality.
In addition to other sources, we have taken into account findings from a report by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights that dives deeper into the experiences of people of African descent living in the EU, as well as data collected from Eurostat, the EU Office for Statistics.
Source: https://schengen.news/these-are-the-least-racist-countries-in-europe/
