Over 185 organisations stand in solidarity with us following the European Commission’s withdrawal of our funding
More than 185 civil society organisations have signed a solidarity statement launched by the European Civic Forum (ECF) in support of the European Network Against Racism (ENAR), following the loss of our European Commission operating funding. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has stood with us at this critical moment for our network and Europe’s anti-racism movement.
The statement brings together organisations from across Europe, including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Eurochild, EuroMed Rights and the European Women’s Lobby. Together, they express alarm at the funding decision and its implications for anti-racism, fundamental rights and independent civil society.
It’s more than ‘ENAR’
For almost three decades, we have brought together anti-racist organisations across Europe, connecting grassroots experiences with European advocacy. Our work helps ensure that racialised communities’ experiences and demands inform the policies and decisions that affect their lives.
The loss of our structural operating funding puts that work at risk. Following months of exchanges, the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) notified us in July 2026 that it had rejected our proposal for the 2026–2028 Framework Partnership Agreement. We have continued operating using our financial reserves, but without a resolution, we may be forced to cease operations by the end of 2026.
The organisations signing the statement recognise that the consequences would reach far beyond ENAR. They warn that weakening Europe’s largest anti-racism network would damage the EU’s democracy agenda and undermine efforts to protect an open and vibrant civic space. They also encourage everyone who believes in equality and justice to support our Defend Anti-Racism fundraiser.
Solidarity breaks isolation
This support matters not only for the continuation of our work, but also for the principle it defends: independent civil society must be able to challenge racism, scrutinise institutions and defend fundamental rights.
As our Chair, Loubna Reguig, stated:
This open letter is pivotal and its importance goes beyond financial support for ENAR.
One of the greatest risks when a civil society organisation comes under pressure is isolation. Organisations can become afraid to associate themselves with it, funders become cautious and political actors remain silent because they do not want to become involved in a controversy. That isolation can sometimes be as damaging as the original funding decision.
Solidarity breaks that isolation. An open letter tells decision-makers that people are paying attention. It tells ENAR’s members and racialised communities that they are not standing alone. And it sends a broader message that the weakening of one part of civil society should concern the rest of civil society.
This is therefore a moment for solidarity, but not only solidarity with ENAR as an organisation. It is about defending the principle that independent civil society must be able to organise, criticise institutions, challenge racism and defend fundamental rights without fearing that doing so will make its existence impossible.
For us, solidarity also means something very practical: continuing to work with us, amplifying what is happening, supporting our campaign, asking questions of European institutions and helping ensure that Europe’s anti-racism movement emerges from this crisis stronger rather than smaller.
For this we are very grateful to those organisations that have decided to publicly stand by us in solidarity. We continue to hope that others will follow suit. After all, the fight against racism, is a fight for human rights, collective civil liberties, and the protection of European democracy.
Stand with anti-racist civil society
We thank the European Civic Forum for mobilising this solidarity, and every organisation that has publicly stood with us. This collective support sends a clear message: anti-racist civil society must not be left to face this situation alone.
We invite our partners, supporters and allies to share the statement, continue working with our network, raise our situation with European institutions and support our Defend Anti-Racism campaign.
Read the solidarity statement and see the signatories.
Learn more about our situation and support Defend Anti-Racism.
