61 % of European residents consider discrimination on skin color or ethnic origin a serious problem.
This is evidenced by the results of a survey of the European Commission conducted among about 26 thousand people from 27 EU member countries
The survey showed that despite the many years of efforts of the European Union and the comprehensive legislation to combat discrimination, the problems associated with social inequality and prejudices in the community countries are preserved.
The report indicates the growth of discrimination compared to previous years.
21% of respondents reported that over the past year they were discriminated or bullying. It is emphasized that skin color, ethnic origin, age and socio-economic status are one of the most common causes of discrimination in Europe.
Among the EU countries, ethnic discrimination is most common in the Netherlands (82%), followed by France (77%), Italy (75%), Sweden (73%) and Belgium (69%).
The study shows that the facts of discrimination and bullying in Europe most often take place in public or at workplaces.
Among the participants in the survey, 42% believe that in their countries discrimination is widespread based on religious affiliation or beliefs.
France leads among countries where discrimination based on religious affiliation and beliefs is perceived as a common problem. 66% of the survey participants indicated this problem.
Further in this list, Belgium (60%), Sweden (58%), the Netherlands (54%) and the Greek administration of the Southern Cyprus (53%).