BRUSSELS (BELGIUM) – The European Commission vowed on Friday to take stringent action against member states that do not fully implement EU anti-racism laws. This comes amid growing protests around the world over violence against African Americans in the US.
Coming out with its first anti-racism action plan, the Commission said the initiative has provisions for infringement actions by which it can take an offender nation to the EU Court of Justice.
“We know that progress to fight racism and hate in Europe is not good enough,” Vera Jourova, the EU Commission’s vice-president for values and transparency, said. “The protests sent a clear message – change must happen now.”
She said it was a “moment of reckoning” for Europeans and the issue cannot be ignored any longer.
As per the plan, the 27 EU nations would come under closer scrutiny, probe and infringement action if the measures are not implemented.