Council of Europe experts have noted positive developments in dealing with racism in several of the organization's member countries, but noted some grounds for concern.
In a report on Austria, the experts mention unequal application of the law to European Union and non-EU citizens, racial discrimination against Africans, Muslims and Roma (Gypsies), as well as anti-Semitism.
The report says severe racial, religious and ethnic discrimination persists in Bosnia-Herzegovina, complicating the area's recovery from the Balkan conflict.
The experts criticize French officials for failing to recognize racist aspects of some offenses. They note an increase in racist acts targeting Muslims as well as a rise of anti-Semitism in France.
In Macedonia, they point out wide-scale discrimination against Roma (Gypsies) and say authorities have failed to address the poor living conditions and other disadvantages facing minority communities.