Joint statement for a strong Intergroup on anti-racism in the European Parliament

As the first plenary session of the new European Parliament takes place this week, ENAR and 100 European and national civil society organisations issue a joint statement calling on MEPs and political groups to establish a strong intergroup on anti-racism in the European Parliament.

The progression of far-right parties or parties propagating xenophobic and racist ideas – with 80 MEPs from these parties – threatens the core European values of human rights and equality.

It is therefore essential to ensure that the European Parliament’s commitment to tackle racial discrimination and racist violence is high on the agenda, and that MEPs establish a strong intergroup on anti-racism in the European Parliament to advance a comprehensive anti-racist agenda and to jointly react to manifestations of racism and hate.

The intergroup would provide an informal platform for MEPs of different political groups and different committees to step up efforts in order to:
(1) mainstream racial equality and anti-racism in policy and legislative work of the EU bodies and monitor EU equality and diversity initiatives;
(2) monitor the situation of groups at greater risk of racial discrimination and propose remedies and corrective measures to be taken by Member States; and
(3) consult and liaise with civil society organisations and representatives of ethnic, racial and religious minorities to enhance their participation in decision-making processes.

Read the full joint statement: Strengthening the European Parliament’s capacity to act against racism: MEPs must coordinate their efforts