“Enhancing multi-stakeholder responses to hate speech and hate crime” is one of five new Mission-Driven Initiatives under the EEA and Norway Grants, with Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway reinforcing their long-standing support for the Council of Europe.

In line with the priorities of the “New Democratic Pact for Europe”, this initiative will help counter hate crimes, curb online hate speech, and counter disinformation about targeted groups. The initiative promotes fact-based communication and human rights as the foundation for a safer, more inclusive Europe.

Geographical scope:  

15 Beneficiary States of the EEA and Norway Grants:

Bulgaria | Croatia | Cyprus | Czechia | Estonia | Greece | Hungary | Latvia | Lithuania | Malta | Poland | Portugal | Romania | Slovak Republic | Slovenia

and 3 Donor States: Iceland | Liechtenstein | Norway

 Duration of the initiative: 5 years (from 1 June 2025 to 31 May 2030)

 Funding: the EEA and Norway Grants

 Leaflet of the Mission Driven Initiave

Public authorities and civil society organisations, supporting people targeted by hate speech and hate crime, in the 15 Beneficiary States of the EEA and Norway Grants and the 3 Donor States.

• Create opportunities for public authorities and civil society to learn from each other and work together in supporting people targeted by hate speech and hate crime.
• Develop the basis for a practical manual on criminalised hate speech to help ensure hate speech cases are properly investigated and prosecuted.
• Design training programmes and workshops that build skills to prevent and respond to online hate speech and hate crimes, including through positive and alternative messaging.
• Provide tailored legal and policy advice to address current and emerging challenges, especially those linked to digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI).