Monitoring of hateful content: 2024 European Parliament election

The publication constitutes the second part of a pilot monitoring project on online hate speech conducted by the Jewish Association Czulent. The report focuses on the analysis of online discourse during the 2024 European Parliament election campaign, illustrating both the scale and the dynamics of hate speech in the digital sphere.

The study was conducted in the context of another electoral campaign immediately following the intensive election cycle of 2023. Despite relatively lower levels of engagement among users and political actors, a noticeable increase in hateful content was recorded even before the official start of the campaign, indicating persistent social and political polarisation.

With the launch of the election campaign, a systematic rise in social media activity was observed, accompanied by a steady increase in hate speech. This trend persisted throughout the campaign period and declined markedly after its conclusion.

The report also demonstrates that online hate speech is dynamic and spreads across social groups. Content targeting one minority group often escalates hostility towards others. A particularly significant finding is the co-occurrence of antisemitic content with anti-Ukrainian and anti-refugee narratives, highlighting the interconnections between different forms of prejudice in public discourse.

Data analysis further shows that content relating to Jews was among the most negative, with over 67% of posts containing hateful or derogatory language, making this group one of the most targeted during the period under review.

The publication also offers a broader reflection on the role of social media in shaping societal attitudes and the impact of election campaigns on the escalation of prejudice. It points out that hate speech can be used as a tool for political mobilisation, disinformation, and the deepening of social divisions.

The report combines quantitative and qualitative analysis, identifies dominant narratives, and situates the findings within their social and political context. It provides a valuable evidence base for public institutions, civil society organisations, and all stakeholders engaged in countering hate speech and protecting groups at risk of discrimination.

This publication was produced as part of the project ‘A comprehensive strategy for countering antisemitic hate speech in the public sphere’, funded by the Foundation Remembrance, Responsibility and Future, implemented by the Jewish Association Czulent with substantive support from the Center for Research on Prejudice.

This publication does not reflect the views or opinions of the Foundation Remembrance, Responsibility and Future (EVZ).