Reports and studies on the topic of hate speech (from Bulgaria, Poland, Turkey, North Macedonia and other countries in Europe) LSSH
Hate speech is an increasingly widespread phenomenon in the digital age, having a serious impact on societies in Europe and beyond. Negative messages based on ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation or other characteristics not only deepen divisions between people, but also often lead to social isolation, tension and even physical violence.
The Let’s STOP Hate Speech (LSSH) project under the Erasmus+ program aims to explore the factors that contribute to the formation and spread of hate speech, as well as to propose strategies for its containment.
What does the situation look like in Europe?
The research conducted under the project covers several countries – Bulgaria, Poland, North Macedonia, Turkey and other EU member states. You can read more about the data and countermeasure strategies after downloading the files below.
The study also identifies several main approaches that are applied in different countries, as a result of the fact that:
- In Bulgaria, hate speech is most often directed against ethnic and religious minorities, and it manifests itself particularly actively in the online space.
- In Poland, the problem is related to both interethnic tensions and harsh statements regarding migrants and refugees.
- In North Macedonia, the socio-political situation also creates the conditions for verbal attacks between different communities.
- In Turkey, a significant portion of hate speech is observed on social media, often provoked by political and religious topics.
- In the EU as a whole, the trend is worrying – digital communication increases the reach of problematic content and makes it more difficult to effectively limit it.
The main product of the project
These materials are a summary of the study “Research on the factors for the formation of hate speech based on nationality and religion ” , which is one of the key products of the LSSH project.
You can download the full study here: [link to it]
For greater accessibility, the document and materials have been translated and are available in different languages. You can download the files from here:
- English
Bulgaria: ENG_Research focus on hate speech in Bulgaria
Türkiye: ENG_Research focus on hate speech in Turkey
Poland: ENG_Research focus on hate speech in Poland
North Macedonia: ENG_Research focus on hate speech in North Macedonia
Other European countries: ENG_Research focus on hate speech in other EU countries
Combating hate speech requires joint efforts – from institutions and organizations, as well as from each individual. Through research, educational activities and the promotion of tolerance, we can build more cohesive and just societies.
Let’s STOP Hate Speech (LSSH) project is a step in this direction, bringing together experience and knowledge from different countries in Europe to offer sustainable solutions against hate speech.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
