Ethnic statistics, Eurocompatible

(B2) The collection of ethnic data for statistical purposes, the European Commission is not against it, on the contrary. It also recommended it in its latest report on the application of European anti-discrimination directives. But not without conditions. According to a spokesperson for the Commission, there is the "possibility of collecting data from foreign people of racial origin" on two essential conditions: "1° the aim must be legitimate (to fight against discrimination), 2° the protection of personal data must be ensured (no personal data)", we can therefore count people but not identify them personally; all with a view to developing integration policies”. The absence of precise data does not make it possible to carry out well-defined policies, it is pleaded in Brussels. I'European Fundamental Rights Agency, a European Union agency based in Vienna, which succeeded the Observatory against Racism in 2007, has – on several occasions – complained about the lack or heterogeneity of statistical data in Europe on racist offenses in particular (To see the racism report or opinion on the application of the 2000 directives).