Anti-Racism and Diversity Week 2024: A Roadmap to a Europe for All
Brussels, Belgium, March 20-21 2024 – The European Network Against Racism (ENAR), alongside ARDI (Anti-Racism and Diversity Intergroup in the European Parliament) and the European Commission, brought racial justice and diversity to the heart of European decision-making during its flagship Anti-Racism and Diversity Week in the European Parliament.
Under this year’s theme of a Europe For All, the two-day event welcomed over 170 anti-racist activists, organisations, researchers and other anti-racism leaders from across Europe to exchange on the current state of racism in Europe alongside political leaders.
The critical need for allyship to mainstream racial justice
The third-ever Anti-racism and Diversity Week opened with a powerful plenary session, featuring speakers who emphasised the imperative of anti-racism in shaping the future of our continent. From the European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and ARDI members, to the European Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli, the message of allyship and action resounded loud and clear.
Source: © European Union 2024: EP
The state of anti-racism ahead of the upcoming European elections
In light of the forthcoming European Elections, the event examined the state of the anti-racism civic space in Europe and underscored the importance of voter mobilisation in shaping the political landscape of Europe.
Confronting Racism in Europe’s Migration and AI Policies
Throughout the event, participants explored a range of critical topics, including the impact of migration policies on racialised communities and the challenges posed by artificial intelligence in exacerbating racial biases. These discussions were marked by a commitment to pragmatic solutions and tangible outcomes.
Source: © European Union 2024: EP
Source: © European Union 2024: EP
Source: ENAR
DIVERSITY TRENDS IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT IN LIGHT OF THE EUROPEAN ELECTIONS
Prompted by the new ENAR Report on Diversity Trends in the European Parliament, the event also shed light on the alarming realities of racialised representation in the European Parliament. Examining the fact that the proportion of racialised lawmakers stands at just 3.3 percent, the panelists underscored the pressing need for proactive measures to address this disparity and ensure more equitable political representation, especially in the anticipation of the EU elections.
The collective spirit and determination exhibited during the event serve as a source of inspiration for continued action, reaffirming our shared vision of A Europe for All where racial justice is upheld.
ENAR wholeheartedly thanks ARDI and the European Commission for co-hosting the Anti-Racism and Diversity Week 2024 and for their contributions to the panel discussions. As the voice of the anti-racism movement in Europe, we emphasise on the importance of working alongside the institutions to help mainstream racial equality and advance the ongoing European anti-discrimination agenda.
For more information, reach out to communications@enar-eu.org.
