The No Hate Speech Week 2025, held from 17 to 20 June, coincided with the United Nations’ International Day for Countering Hate Speech (18 June). It was organised by the Anti-discrimination Department of the Council of Europe in the framework of the EU-Council of Europe joint project on Increasing civil society organisations’ knowledge and capacities to tackle hate speech online and supported by the Maltese Presidency. The second edition of this pivotal event brought together key stakeholders from across Europe to enhance both legal and policy measures against hate speech and hate crimes through the exchange of good practices and impactful collaborations. Throughout the week, participants engaged in plenary sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities to explore how to enhance the response against hatred in society, thereby contributing to protect fundamental rights for all.

European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, delivered the opening speech. He stressed that freedom of expression is a fundamental right enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, however, this right is not unlimited. “When words  incite hatred or violence, they cross a line that no democracy should ignore”, Commissioner McGrath said. He congratulated the Council of Europe and its partners for their continued efforts to address hate speech, expressing the European Commission's strong support for the initiative. The Commissioner outlined the EU's legal framework and policy toolbox to respond to hate crime and hate speech, highlighting legal instruments like the 2008 Council Framework Decision on combating racism and xenophobia, and the Directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence adopted last year. He also underscored the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach involving national authorities, international organisations, and civil society. Policy tools such as the ones developed under the EU High-Level Group on combating hate speech and the revised Code of conduct + on countering illegal hate speech online were emphasised as crucial efforts in this fight.