From silence to empowerment: Rethinking the EU’s legal response to hate speech
Stevi Kitsou · 2025
Hate speech, encompassing a range of racist and discriminatory expressions such as incitement to violence, harassment, and stereotyping, disproportionately targets marginalized groups, silencing their voices and undermining both individual rights and social cohesion. This paper critically examines the EU’s current regulatory framework, assessing whether it effectively addresses the complex threats posed by hate speech while safeguarding the foundational values of human dignity, democracy, and equality. In line with the EU’s commitment to these principles, the analysis explores the alignment of EU measures with broader European human rights standards, notably those established by the ECHR and the Council of Europe, and considers potential improvements to ensure comprehensive protection.