Muslims in Europe facing unparalleled discrimination and bias: Survey

Muslims in Europe face discrimination like never before, as reflected across various segments, from job opportunities to children being bullied in schools, and difficulties in renting and buying homes, according to a recent survey by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA).

The study, conducted with 9,600 Muslim respondents from 13 EU member states, suggests that anti-Muslim prejudice is prevalent in various aspects of daily life. Nearly half of the participants indicated that they had encountered discrimination, underscoring the enduring nature of these issues.

The FRA's findings were released in the context of a broader wave of racism and rising tensions, with many pointing to “dehumanising anti-Muslim rhetoric” as a significant factor. Although the survey concluded before the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict on 7 October 2023, there are indications that the conflict has exacerbated existing tensions. Reports from civil society organisations and national authorities suggest that incidents targeting Muslims have escalated since the onset of hostilities.

The FRA's study reveals that discrimination affects Muslims from childhood through adulthood. Participants shared stories of children being bullied at school, facing hurdles in accessing job opportunities, and encountering prejudice when seeking housing. Across the surveyed countries, many Muslims reported feeling unwelcome and unfairly treated due to their faith or ethnic background. The data also shows that Muslims are disproportionately affected by poverty, with a higher likelihood of living in overcrowded housing or being on temporary contracts compared to the broader EU population.

One of the more striking findings concerns the link between rising far-right political movements and increased discrimination. In Austria, where the anti-immigration Freedom Party has gained prominence, 71% of Muslim respondents reported experiencing racism recently. Similarly, in Germany, the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany party’s rise coincides with 68% of Muslims reporting discriminatory incidents. The report suggests that the far-right’s anti-immigration stance has a tangible impact on the everyday experiences of Muslim communities.

Discrimination also extends to the job market. The survey indicates that 39% of Muslims face bias when seeking employment, with many working in positions for which they are overqualified. Young Muslims, particularly those born in Europe, struggle to be seen as equals in the labour market despite holding comparable qualifications and language skills. Women wearing religious clothing, like headscarves, are particularly vulnerable, facing higher rates of job discrimination, particularly among younger women aged 16 to 24.

Housing remains another significant challenge, with 35% of respondents saying they were obstructed from renting or buying homes due to discrimination. This represents a notable increase from 22% in 2016, highlighting a persistent issue in housing equality. These findings, according to the FRA, are indicative of a broader and systemic problem affecting Muslim communities across the EU.

The report calls for more stringent measures to combat discrimination and hate crimes. It urges EU member states to adopt stricter penalties for offenders and to improve data collection on racial and ethnic diversity to monitor progress effectively. Unlike the UK, most EU nations do not gather such demographic information, limiting their ability to address the issue comprehensively.

The FRA's survey follows previous reports revealing similar trends of discrimination among Black and Jewish communities in Europe, indicating that racism and racial bias are persistent problems. The agency stresses the need for a concerted effort from policymakers to combat these issues, suggesting that without targeted actions, discriminatory practices are unlikely to diminish.