On 2 October 2026, the EU justice ministers adopted Council conclusions on combating racism and related forms of hatred and discrimination in the EU. The conclusions respond to the damage these phenomena cause to individuals and societies and identifying priority ways to counter them. They call on Member States to strengthen their efforts against racism, discrimination, hate speech and hate crime, particularly through the implementation of the EU Anti-Racism Strategy 2026–2030.

In the area of criminal justice, the Council emphasised the need to improve the ability of law enforcement and judicial authorities to identify, investigate and prosecute hate crimes and illegal hate speech, while respecting fundamental rights, particularly freedom of expression. It also encouraged Member States to address the underreporting of such offences, facilitate access to justice and strengthen protection and support for victims.

Particular attention was given to online hate speech and emerging technologies. The Council called for effective enforcement of the Digital Services Act and measures to address discriminatory biases in artificial intelligence systems. It also invited the Commission to continue monitoring the implementation of existing EU legislation, including Framework Decision 2008/913/JHA on combating racism and xenophobia through criminal law.