Europe’s Racial Disparities Linked to Colonial and Slavery Legacies, Report Finds

Racial disparities in European nations cannot be effectively addressed without acknowledging the historical legacies of colonialism and slavery, according to a report published on Wednesday by the European Network Against Racism (ENAR). Titled “Europe’s Original Sin,” the report examines the enduring impact of colonial policies and laws in six former colonial powers—Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain—on racialised groups today.

The report highlights how colonial exploitation of resources and labor fueled the economic growth of these nations while marginalizing Black and other racialised populations. For example, in the Netherlands, activities related to the transatlantic slave trade accounted for 5.2% of GDP by 1770, while Portugal trafficked nearly 6 million Africans, contributing significantly to its economy around 1800.

The report draws connections between historical abuses and contemporary racial inequalities, noting that Black and African-origin individuals face higher rates of poverty, wage gaps, and discrimination in areas like education, employment, and access to financial services. In France, for instance, the poverty rate for people of African origin stands at 39.5%, more than double that of people of European origin.

ENAR recommends mandatory anti-racism training for financial institutions and those involved in shaping social policies, as well as reforms in education to raise awareness of colonial history. The report also calls for reparations that recognize the direct link between past colonial exploitation and current economic disparities.

The issue of reparations, while divisive, is gaining momentum, with institutions like the Church of England and some nations beginning to acknowledge their historical roles in slavery and colonialism.