The aim of the panel will be to identify the causes, to try to characterise the essence, and to determine the means of legal response — national and EU — to the so-called hate speech. This negative phenomenon includes all forms of public expression that spread, incite, support or justify hatred, discrimination or hostility towards a particular group. This is dangerous because it contributes to deepening the atmosphere of intolerance towards certain groups, not only undermining the dignity of their representatives, but also fundamental EU values. The discussion will be attended by: — PhD hab. Prof. PK Krzysztof Wasilewski, Koszalin University of Technology, "Hey and the Public Sphere" — Dr hab. Prof. Alina Balczyńska-Kosman, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, "Media narratives, language and the phenomenon of heit during the COVID-19 pandemic" — Dr Błażej Choroś, University of Opole/Team Europe, "combating hate speech at EU level — regulation and practice" — Dr Krzysztof Gorazdowski, Jakub Academy in Gorzów Wielkopolski, "Between Freedom and Hate. Selected aspects of criminal law regulation of hate speech crimes”