This paper sheds light on the labor market situation of ethnic minorities in the European
Union. Facing a serious measurement challenge and lacking adequate data, we apply
several measures of ethnicity and examine various data sources as well as secondary
evidence. We find significant gaps between ethnic minority and majority populations in
terms of labor market outcomes. In particular, ethnic minorities appear to face
disproportional difficulties in finding a job. Although experience in the host country
improves the status of immigrant minorities, we do not find any clear assimilation of
further immigrant generations. Roma people seem to face particularly grave integration
barriers in European labor markets.