Eliminating racism

Racial discrimination included distinctions, exclusions, restrictions or preferences based on descent which nullified or impaired equal enjoyment of human rights.

The Amsterdam Treaty (1997), in the shape of Article 29 (former Article K.1) of the Treaty on European Union, provides a specific legal basis for preventing and combating racism and xenophobia. It opens up the possibility of a genuine European Union policy in this matter. A European Monitoring Centre for Racism and Xenophobia was set up in Vienna in June 1997 for the purpose of exchanging information and experience in this area. On 21 December 1998 an agreement was concluded between the Centre and the Council of Europe in order to step up cooperation between the Centre and the Council of Europe's Committee on Racism and Intolerance.