The European Race Directive: A Bridge so Far?

On the 29th June 2000, the European Council of Ministers adopted Council Directive 2000/43/EC (Race Directive) implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin. The purpose of this directive is to lay down a common framework, for combating racial or ethnic discrimination in the Member States of the European Union. The object of this common framework is to enable Member States to deliver an anti-race discrimination regime by putting into effect the principle of ‘equal treatment’ in their domestic laws, regulations and administrative provisions. Individuals who consider themselves wronged may rely on national provisions brought in to give effect to the Race Directive. In this way, the European Community’s promise to provide measures to combat racism in the EU can start to take shape.