ABSTRACT
Recent attitude surveys show that European societies-notwithstanding the increasing attention of the European Union to antiracist issues-exhibit high levels of xenophobia and racism, a desire to limit immigration, and a readiness to exclude foreigners from certain social arenas of European societies (e.g., EUMC, 2001; Hargreaves & Leaman, 1995; Wrench & Solomos, 1993). Furthermore, there is a persistent threat that xenophobic sociopolitical movements will arise and establish themselves, introducing a ‘racist agenda,’ pressuring established parties to shift their position, and blocking or reversing institutional realignment designed to favour pluralism, equality, and justice. Discrimination on the basis of ethnic, religious, or immigrant status is a persistent and serious human rights violation affecting all of Europe. However, to admit that discrimination is a widespread and serious problem has been, and seems to continue to be, diffi cult for most European member states; attempts at addressing discrimination have been largely ‘symbolic’ and rhetorical.
