Enero de 2026. DATA EQUALITY

Image Enero de 2026. DATA EQUALITY
In January we chose the DATA EQUALITY project, a European project funded by the European Commission through the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values ​​(CERV) program, whose objective is to prevent and combat intersectional discrimination based on data, as well as promote a fairer, more transparent and inclusive use of data in areas such as security, justice and beyond.

What is DATA EQUALITY?

DATA EQUALITY is a European project funded by the European Commission through the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme. Its aim is to prevent and combat data-based intersectional discrimination, as well as to promote a fairer, more transparent, and more inclusive use of data in areas such as security, justice, and beyond.

General objective

The main objective of DATA EQUALITY is to develop and reach consensus on a shared European methodology for the collection, management, analysis, and exchange of data on discrimination. This methodology will enable different actors (public authorities such as law enforcement and judicial bodies, and civil society organizations) to cooperate effectively and securely, improving responses to incidents of discrimination, racism, xenophobia, and other forms of intolerance across Europe.

What does DATA EQUALITY propose?

1. Assess current practices:
To analyze existing methodologies and challenges in the collection, management, analysis, and use of data related to discrimination in Europe, in order to identify gaps and good practices.

2. Promote cooperation among key stakeholders:
To create spaces for dialogue and collaboration among police forces, judicial bodies, civil society organizations, and discrimination experts to share experiences, challenges, and needs.

3. Develop a standard and shared methodology:
To design an interoperable and secure methodology to guide the collection, analysis, and dissemination of discrimination data, including the incorporation of technological tools and approaches that reduce bias—potentially supported by AI and OSINT tools.

4. Training and practical support:
To provide training and technical support to EU professionals (including public authorities and civil society organizations) to apply the new methodology effectively while respecting ethical and legal standards, such as data protection.

Why is DATA EQUALITY relevant for the Region of Murcia and Europe?

This project includes the participation of Spanish entities such as the Euro-Arab Foundation for Higher Studies and the City Council of Murcia, directly linking the region with European initiatives on equality, data, and social justice.

The initiative represents an important step forward in how Europe addresses discrimination in the context of data—especially at a time when digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and automation play an increasingly important role in public and private decision-making. DATA EQUALITY helps ensure that data reflect the real diversity of society rather than perpetuating prejudice or exclusion.

In addition, projects like this demonstrate how cooperation between public administrations, civil society, and European institutions is essential to tackling global challenges such as discrimination, strengthening the active participation of regions like Murcia in European processes.

What is happening now / next steps

The project was launched in September 2024 and will run until May 2026.

Throughout its development, transnational workshops, working groups, and training activities are being organized to address aspects such as data collection, analysis, information exchange, and the ethical handling of data.

Assessments of current practices and surveys are being conducted to identify challenges and methodological requirements that the new methodology must incorporate.

The final objective is to produce a Shared European Methodology on Equality Data and guidelines that can be used by actors in multiple countries, promoting practical and consensus-based solutions.

Project partners

The DATA EQUALITY consortium is made up of nine partners from different European countries, with the Court of Appeal of Venice (Italy) acting as coordinator. Members include:

  • Court of Appeal of Venice (Coordinator)

  • Euro-Arab Foundation for Higher Studies (Spain)

  • City Council of Murcia (Spain)

  • Agenfor International Foundation (Italy)

  • Kentro Merimnas Oikogeneaias Kai Paidiou (Greece)

  • Hellenic Police (Greece)

  • Keshilli i Larte i Prokurorise (Albania)

  • National Association of Italian Municipalities – Emilia Romagna (Italy)

  • Kentro Meleton Asfaleias (Greece)
    (and other associated partners detailed on the project website)

Budget and timeline

  • Start date: September 2024

  • End date: May 2026

  • Total funding: Approximately €865,057, funded by the European Commission under the CERV programme, Grant Agreement No. 101144460.