Europe’s Racial Disparities Linked to Historical Injustices, Report Finds

By Catarina Demony

A report published by a network of anti-racism organizations across Europe highlights that addressing racial disparities in several European countries requires acknowledging the enduring legacies of colonialism and slavery.

The report titled "Europe’s Original Sin" evaluates the historical practices of six former colonial powers: Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. It describes how their policies and legislations systematically marginalized racialized groups, leaving lasting impacts that continue to affect society today.

The Brussels-based European Network Against Racism emphasizes that these exploitative practices, which included the extraction of resources and labor, significantly contributed to the economic success of these colonial powers while inhibiting wealth access for Black communities.

In the Netherlands, which forcibly transported over half a million Africans across the Atlantic, slavery was economically significant, making up 5.2% of GDP by 1770. Similarly, Portugal, which trafficked nearly 6 million Africans—more than any other European country—also saw considerable economic benefits from its colonial activities, especially around the year 1800.

The report states, "By tracing the historical paths of colonization, slavery, and Europe’s transgressions, it becomes clear that these deeply rooted systems have profoundly impacted the socio-economic landscape of Europe." Many individuals still face discrimination in various sectors, including education, employment, and financial services.

In France, for example, the poverty rate for people of African descent stands at 39.5%, which is more than double that of Europeans of non-African descent. The wage gap is prevalent across other areas too. Additionally, systemic racism manifests in practices like mortgage approval, financial profiling by banks, and geographical exclusion.

Among its recommendations, the European Network Against Racism advocates for mandatory anti-racism training for financial institutions as well as for those involved in creating and implementing social welfare policies. The report notes, "Understanding the colonial legacy is essential for crafting policies that address historical injustices."

Furthermore, it states that any reparations for slavery and colonialism must recognize the direct links between current economic challenges and historical exploitation. The educational curriculum should also reflect and educate about these issues.

The contentious topic of reparations for historical injustices has gained traction recently, with various institutions and nations beginning to confront and acknowledge their past wrongs.