In a resolution passed with 355 votes to 90 and 39
abstentions, MEPs denounce that the lack of serious action
against these groups has enabled the current xenophobic
surge in Europe. The text mentions the attack that killed
77 people in Norway in 2011, the murder of UK MP in 2016 and the recent attack
by fascist squads in Italy against MEP Eleonora Forenza.
It also refers to several incidents involving fascists in
Poland, Greece, Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Latvia and
the Nordic countries.
Ban all organisations glorifying fascism
MEPs argue that the impunity enjoyed by far-right
organisations in some member states is one of the reasons
behind the rise in violent actions, affecting society as a
whole and targeting particular minorities such as black
Europeans/people of African descent, Jews, Muslims, Roma,
non-EU nationals, LGBTI people, and persons with
disabilities.
They propose setting up anti-hate crime units in police
forces to ensure these crimes are investigated and
prosecuted. They also urge national authorities to
“effectively ban neo-fascist and neo-Nazi groups and any
other foundation or association that exalts and glorifies
Nazism and fascism”.
End collusion with neo-fascists
Troubled by reports of collusion between political leaders,
political parties and law enforcement with neo-fascists and
neo-Nazis in some member states, Parliament calls on the
member states to “clearly condemn and sanction” hate crime,
hate speech and scapegoating by politicians and public
officials, as they directly normalise and reinforce hatred
and violence.
Measures are also necessary to counteract the spread of
racism, fascism and xenophobia through the internet, in
cooperation with social media companies.
Stop racism in sport and help members of fascist
groups who want to leave
The resolution demands that member states and national
sports federations, in particular football clubs,
counteract the scourge of racism, fascism and xenophobia in
stadiums and in sports culture by condemning and punishing
those responsible and by promoting positive educational
activities targeting young fans, in cooperation with
schools and civil society organisations .
EU countries should also set up “exit programmes” to help
individuals to leave violent neo-fascist and neo-Nazi
groups. MEPs stress the importance of education, to
increase history awareness among the youth and call for a
clear rejection of the fascist crimes of the past. They
underline that the truth about the Holocaust must not be
trivialised.
