“Hate is evolving – it now often wears a suit and is legitimised by those in positions of power, hides in an algorithm and infiltrates media in plain sight. We need robust litigation, ethical regulation of AI, and responsible journalism. Not just to react, but to prevent, to empower, to protect. Freedom of expression must not become a shield for organised dehumanisation.” Martin Mlynar, No Hate Speech Network

“Solidarity is not a slogan. Community meetings – especially those led by racialized, LGBT, migrant, and disabled people – are lifelines. Every time we gather to grieve, to celebrate, to organize – we build collective power.  Community meetings are not symbolic. They are the frontline. Support them, protect them, fund them.” Marame Kane, EGIDES, Alliance Internationale francophone pour l'Égalité et les Diversités

These conclusions shared by the participants of the Council of Europe  No Hate Speech Week 2025 summarised the need to strengthen multi-stakeholder cooperation to counter hate speech. The Week took place from 18-20 June 2025 in Strasbourg, with over 115 participants from 34 Council of Europe member states, gathering representatives of national authorities, public figures and political bodies, CSOs active at European and national levels, equality bodies, academia, internet industry, international organisations, and EU bodies. It consisted of several plenary sessions to provide updates on policy developments and priorities in combating hate speech, including a recent study on the effectiveness of counter and alternative narratives. Civil society organisations and Council of Europe services held 23 workshops exploring specific measures and sharing promising practices. A Networking fair of promising practices and tools presented some 20 practices, tools and resources for combating hate speech in view of promoting networking and cooperation. The presence of different stakeholders provided networking opportunities to foster synergies and enable a comprehensive and multi-stakeholder approach to preventing and combating hate speech in the member states, in line with CM Recommendation CM/Rec(2022)16 on combating hate speech.

“This is a reminder that democracy must be safeguarded not only through laws and guidelines, but through responsible leadership, ethical discourse, and collective vigilance. We do need to act. A society free from hate requires more than statements; it demands courage, compassion, and commitment from all of us. To move forward, we as the civil society invite all of us to work together” Martin Mlynar concluded at the closing session. Marame Kane invited to “leave this week not only with reports and recommendations, but with responsibility. To fund the fight. To centre the most affected. To use every tool we have – legal, political, technological, emotional – to build a Europe where dignity is not negotiable.”

The No Hate Speech Week 2025 was organised by the Anti-discrimination Department of the Council of Europe and supported by the Maltese Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe and several EU-CoE joint projects implemented by the Department.