Policy positions
2020
This brief highlights key elements about the concerning situation in France regarding structural racism and the threats to civil society organisations defending fundamental rights.
– Open letter to European Commission: Securing meaningful participation for the EU anti-racism action plan – October 2020
ENAR and 45 civil society organisations call on the European Commission to secure meaningful and participation mechanisms in the implementation of the EU Action Plan Against Racism.
Open letter to EU decision makers on funding human rights and equality for all – September 2020
ENAR, together with human rights and equality organisations, call on EU decision makers to ensure we all come out of COVID-19 together by committing to fundamental rights and equality in the EU budget and recovery plan.
EC action plan for racial equality and justice: Policy briefing – July 2020
This briefing outlines ENAR’s key demands and recommendations for the upcoming EU Action Plan Against Racism.
Open letter: A chance for the EU to make history – invest in equality and justice for racialised people – July 2020
ENAR and 78 organisations across Europe co-signed this letter to the European Commission President to bring a community-led perspective to the upcoming European Commission action plan against racism.
A roadmap for EU institutions to address structural racism – Towards equality and justice – June 2020
The roadmap highlights key approaches and concrete steps to be taken into account by EU institutions in order to move forward meaningfully and support Member States in tackling structural racism.
Briefing on policing racialised groups in Europe – June 2020
This briefing highlights the issue of racist police abuse across the EU and our recommendations cover a range of approaches informed by evidence-based solutions and recent developments that demonstrate that a radical system change is required now.
Addressing Islamophobia: A response to the Covid-19 crisis and broader inequalities – May 2020
ENAR and a collective of NGOs put forward 11 public actions to respond to the crisis, protect Muslim communities, and tackle the structural manifestations of Islamophobia in Europe.
Policy paper: #CovidImpact – Lifting structural barriers: A priority in the fight against racism – May 2020
Existing structural and institutional barriers have led to a disproportionate impact of the Covid-19 crisis on racialised groups. Therefore, ENAR asks for a change of approach in the fight against racism in the EU to address structural racism in an intersectional way.
Joint statement: For a Europe that cares for all – during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond – April 2020
ENAR and a broad range of organisations committed to working together towards a shared vision of the future of Europe, call on EU institutions and member state government to work for a Europe that cares for all – during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
Statement on the roadmap for the EU’s post-2020 Roma equality and inclusion policy – April 2020
The post-2020 European Roma coalition, of which ENAR is a member, published a statement reacting to the European Commission’s Roadmap setting out the EU post-2020 Roma equality and inclusion policy.
Race and the EU Gender Equality Strategy – February 2020
ENAR puts forward key recommendations for the European Commission to take into account in the EU Gender Equality Strategy, to ensure that an intersectional approach is at the core of this strategy.
2019
A roadmap to racial diversity in EU institutions by 2024 – October 2019
What can the EU institutions do to improve racial diversity and representation? This roadmap outlines the steps needed to achieve this.
Key recommendations from civil society organisations against Islamophobia to member States and European Institutions – September 2019
These recommendations on tackling anti-Muslim racism and discrimination by the Coalition Against Islamophobia, of which ENAR is a member, were presented at the EU Workshop on synergies and good practices on tackling anti-Muslim racism and discrimination, organised by the European Commission in June 2019 in Madrid.
Alliance against Antigypsyism recommendations to combat antigypsyism in future EU and national policies – May 2019:
– Combating antigypsyism in the post-2020 EU Roma Framework: Recommendations
– Developing measures to combat antigypsyism after 2020: Guidance for European and national stakeholders
The two policy papers promote a comprehensive approach to combat antigypsyism in all its dimensions and manifestations. They offer guidance that can be used to develop the EU post-2020 Roma Framework and renewed national Roma policies.
Civil society letter to leaders to nominate European Commissioners for the Europe we want – May 2019
As EU heads of states and governments gather in Sibiu, Romania on 9 May to agree on a Strategic Agenda for the next five years, 55 civil society organisations, including ENAR, published a statement urging national leaders to nominate European Commissioners who will support and serve present and future generations, and prioritise environment, quality of life and decent work.
ENAR’s 10 EU elections demands to end racism in the European Union – March 2019
ENAR calls on candidates for the European Parliament elections to put the European Union on a fairer path by actively promoting equality and social justice for all.
2018
Key recommendations to tackle Islamophobia from a coalition of civil society organisations – December 2018
ENAR and a coalition of civil society organisations working against Islamophobia issued key recommendations, on the occasion of an EU high-level conference on tackling intolerance and discrimination against Muslims organised by the European Commission.
ENAR and ENPAD recommendations on the fundamental rights of people of African descent in Europe – November 2018
ENAR and the European Network of People of African Descent (ENPAD) have published policy recommendations on the fundamental rights of People of African Descent in Europe, based on the EU Fundamental Rights Agency survey “Being Black in the EU” .
Democracy under attack: a civil society call for action – November 2018
A broad coalition of civil society organisations, including ENAR, issued a wake-up call to EU leaders and governments: democracy is under attack, ahead of the EU colloquium on fundamental rights on democracy on 26-27 November 2018.
Review of EU High Level Group Against Racism: an opportunity to deepen the approach to equality in the EU – October 2018
Joint ENAR and EDRi position: Tackling illegal content online: principles for efficient and restorative solutions – June 2018
ENAR and the European digital rights network EDRI establish key principles to tackle racist illegal content online. This paper follows cooperation between the two organisations over the past few years to bring the digital rights community and the anti-racist movement together in a more comprehensive way. The common initiative comes at a time where the European Commission is consulting stakeholders and individuals to provide their opinion on how to tackle illegal content online.
Joint open letter on the EU Rights & Values Programme 2021-2027 to support human rights and democracy – June 2018
Together with a coalition of NGOs, ENAR welcomes the new proposal as an essential instrument to support human rights and democracy across the EU. We jointly call on the EU institutions and national policy leaders to make sure that the Rights and Values Programme 2021-2027 will be ambitious enough to meet the needs of civil society organisations at European level and on the ground in view of the current increasing challenges to democracy and human rights within the European Union.
Joint statement on EU Funds for equality between men and women, accessibility for persons with disabilities and non-discrimination – May 2018
ENAR and a coalition of European NGOs called upon the Council of the European Union, the Commission and the European Parliament to uphold equality between women and men, accessibility for persons with disabilities and non-discrimination in the proposal for the Common Provisions Regulation 2021-2027, as well as in the Funds specific regulations.
People of African descent in Europe: EU policy developments and recommendations – May 2018
This document summarises key developments relating to People of African Descent at the EU level as context for the EU People of African Descent Week, which took place from 14 to 17 May 2018. It highlights recommendations for EU policymakers to promote inclusion of people of African descent and combat Afrophobia/anti-black racism.
Promoting fair and efficient policing for Roma and Travellers in the EU – One step forward to end Antigypsyism – April 2018
This briefing includes examples of ethnic profiling practices specifically targeted at Roma Sinti and Travellers and recommendations for EU and Member States.
Intersectionality and policy-making on discrimination in the European Union – March 2018
This briefing sheds light on the origin and current use of this concept. It explains why policy makers should adopt an intersectional approach, how it is relevant in EU policy making, and highlights some of the challenges in implementing intersectionality in policymaking.
2009-2017
Towards an EU Framework for national strategies to combat Afrophobia and promote the inclusion of people of African descent and Black Europeans – January 2017
ENAR calls for an EU framework for national strategies to combat Afrophobia and to promote the inclusion of people of African descent and Black Europeans to complement the EU 2020 Strategy and in recognition of the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent.
Wearing the headscarf in the workplace – October 2016
ENAR’s and Amnesty International’s observations on discrimination based on religion in the Achbita and Bougnaoui cases before the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Joint statement: Whose values? Upholding the rule of law and universal human rights for all and at any time – May 2016
ENAR, the European Women’s Lobby, ILGA-Europe and CEJI-A Jewish contribution to an inclusive Europe issued this statement ahead of a meeting of the General Affairs Council of the European Union to discuss integration of migrants in a rule of law dialogue. We call on all EU Member States to live up to their obligations to promote human rights for all, to act for equality and the protection of all victims of bias violence. They should condemn any attempt at fuelling stigmatisation of specific communities and denounce public discourse that sets one group against another.
Joint civil society statement on counter-terrorism: EU and Member States must respect human rights – March 2016
ENAR and other human rights organisations have issued a joint statement calling on the EU and its Member States to respect human rights and the rule of law in counter-terrorism measures. While there is a need to ensure the population is safe, security measures should not lead to violations or restrictions on human rights.
European Commission Colloquium on Fundamental Rights – Civil society recommendations for a meaningful colloquium – September 2015
On 1 and 2 October 2015, the European Commission held its first annual colloquium on fundamental rights on the theme “Preventing and combating anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim hatred in Europe”. Civil society organisations call on the European Commission and Member States to ensure the event puts forward concrete recommendations that will be followed up by all relevant parties.
Beyond ’refugees welcome’: what will EU Member States do to protect refugees and migrants from violence and discrimination? – September 2015
Following the EU Justice and Home Affairs Ministers’ reluctance to agree on an immediate and straightforward relocation plan, ENAR calls EU Member States to firmly respect fundamental rights and non-discrimination when designing their migration and asylum plans.
Response to the European Commission’s consultation on its annual colloquium on fundamental rights: “Tolerance and respect: preventing and combating anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim hatred in Europe” – June 2015
This joint contribution by ENAR and several of its member organisations highlights some of the key issues that need to be addressed during this annual colloquium taking place on 1-2 October 2015.
ENAR’s demands to the Latvian Council Presidency of the EU – February 2015
In this document, we identify where Council initiatives and actions can make the difference in EU equality and anti-racism policies and make a number of recommendations to the Latvian Presidency.
Policy statement: EU counter-terrorism policies from an equality perspective: everyone should feel safe in Europe – January 2015
After the killings in Paris of January 7th and 9th, many have rushed to provide concrete actions against terrorism in Europe. Today, 29th January, Ministers for Justice and Home Affairs meet in Riga to devise the ground for an EU security strategy. The need for security must not lead to discriminating measures that would risk to compromise fundamental rights for all.
Joint statement: Strengthening equality and fundamental rights protection in the EU – January 2015
At the first fundamental rights round table with the newly appointed European Commission Vice-President, Frans Timmermans on 9 January, anti-discrimination European networks call on him to show clear commitment on strengthening the EU fundamental rights and equality framework and ensuring its enforcement.
Proposals for questions to MEPs for Commissioner-Designates’ hearings – September 2014
ENAR submitted questions to MEPs for the Commissioner-designate for Justice (Věra Jourová) and Vice-President-designate for Fundamental Rights (Frans Timmermans) concerning their priorities in the new portfolios.
Joint statement for a strong Intergroup on anti-racism in the European Parliament – July 2014
ENAR and 97 European and national civil society organisations call on MEPs and political groups to establish a strong intergroup on anti-racism in the European Parliament, in order to advance a comprehensive anti-racist agenda and jointly react to manifestations of racism and hate.
Policy statement: European Commission’s reports on EU legislation against racism and discrimination fall short on addressing victims’ need for justice – May 2014
ENAR welcomes the reports and the efforts by the European Commission to regularly assess Member States’ progress. Our statement focuses on a few aspects crucial to the proper implementation of the Framework Decision and Equality Directives, as well as on existing legislative gaps.
Joint NGO statement on the European Commission Communication on safeguarding the rule of law in the EU – March 2014
ENAR, together with a coalition of NGOs working in the field of human rights, express concerns that human rights seem to have been sidelined in the discussions. We are particularly concerned that the current debate within the Commission seems to favour a restrictive approach that would limit the scope of the Communication to the rule of law in its narrow interpretation, disregarding the other values listed in Article 2 TEU, most notably respect for human rights.
Response to the European Commission’s consultation on the future of Home Affairs policies: an open and safe Europe – what next? – January 2014
This response assesses the progress made during the Stockholm Programme to advance a coordinated and transparent future migration policy. ENAR has also contributed to the joint statement by the European NGO Platform on EU Asylum and Migration, of which we are a member.
December 2013 – Progress made in the implementation of the National Roma Integration Strategies: ENAR comments
This report is the result and compilation of the responses we have received directly from our network during November 2013.
June 2013 – General Policy Paper on People of African Descent and Black Europeans
June 2013 – NGO statement on the occasion of the final vote on the Asylum Package: Establishing a Common European Asylum System: still a long way to go
ENAR, together with a coalition of NGOs and on the initiative of ECRE, acknowledge the improvements in the second phase of legislative harmonisation but remain concerned about a number of key aspects of the asylum package, including with regard to the detention of asylum seekers.
May 2013 – Joint statement on the Partnership Principle in the EU Asylum and Migration Fund
ENAR, together with a coalition of NGOs and the UNHCR, urge the Council, the European Parliament and the European Commission to ensure that the partnership principle with international and civil society organisations is made mandatory for the Asylum and Migration Fund.
May 2013 – Joint NGO statement: EU Seasonal Migrant Workers’ Directive: Ensure effective equal treatment
In view of the on-going trialogue on the proposed EU directive on seasonal workers, ENAR and a coalition of NGOs recall the need to guarantee a uniform and extensive sets of labour rights for third-country workers across the EU.
September 2012 – European Roma Policy Coalition call for action on Roma evictions and expulsions in France and Italy
Call for action to the European Commission, and French and Italian authorities.
May 2012 – Joint civil society statement on access to healthcare services for undocumented migrants in Spain
Reaction to a Royal Decree-Act by the Spanish government, issued on 20 April 2012, restricting the level of healthcare access for irregular migrants.
May 2012 – Joint NGO statement on right to family life and family reunification for migrants
ENAR and 19 other NGOs issued a joint statement calling on EU Member States and the European Commission to safeguard the family life of migrants and refugees.
April 2012 – Seasonal Workers Directive
Letter to MEPs on the LIBE Committee: Orientation vote on the draft report on the proposed Directive on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of seasonal employment.
April 2012 – General Policy Paper on Roma Inclusion: a Progressive and Rights-Based Approach
March 2012 – Analysis of the National Roma Integration Strategies
Assessment compiled by the European Roma Policy Coalition, of which ENAR is the current rotating chair.
March 2012 – Civil society joint statement on future EU funding in the area of migration and asylum 2014-2020
ENAR and a coalition of civil society organisations active in the area of migration and asylum present key joint recommendations on the European Commission’s proposals for funding EU policies in the area of Home Affairs.
February 2012 – European Commission proposal for the ‘Rights and Citizenship Programme 2014-2020’
Joint equality networks’ amendments to the European Commission’s proposal for the ‘Rights and Citizenship Programme’ 2014-2020
January 2012 – “Dignity and respect for ALL” – ENAR messages for the European Year for Active Ageing and Intergenerational Solidarity in 2012
January 2012 – Green Paper on family reunification
ENAR comments regarding the Green Paper on the right to family reunification of third-country nationals living in the European Union – ‘On promoting the rights of the family and the right to mobility’
December 2011 – Joint AGE-ENAR position paper on older ethnic minorities and migrants
Older ethnic minorities and migrants: promoting their participation in employment, involvement in the community and independent living as a contribution to the European Year 2012 for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations
November 2011 – European integration policy
ENAR comments on the second European Agenda for Integration
October 2011 – EU Roma Framework and Roma Platform
Suggestions by the European Roma Policy Coalition – Consultation meeting with the European Commission
June 2011 – European Roma Platform
Preliminary suggestions from the European Roma Policy Coalition to reform the European Roma Platform
April 2011 – ENAR and V4CE response to EC consultation on public procurement
Green paper of the modernisation of EU public procurement policy: towards a more efficient European Procurement Market
October 2010 – European Platform against Poverty and Social Exclusion
ENAR position paper in view of the European Commission exchange with key stakeholders
October 2010 – Roma inclusion
ENAR position paper in view of the Council of Europe’s high level meeting on Roma and Travellers, 20 October 2010, Strasbourg
September 2010 – Rights and protection of victims of crime and violence
ENAR preliminary comments on the European Commission Victims’ Package Consultation Document: “Taking action on Rights, Support and Protection of Victims of Crime and Violence”
August 2010 – European Integration Policy
ENAR preliminary comments on the second European Agenda for Integration
June 2010 – EU Citizens’ rights
ENAR preliminary comments on the European Commission Working Document
‘Consultation on EU Citizens’ Rights – the way forward’
January 2010 – 2010 European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion
ENAR messages for the 2010 European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion
December 2009 – General Policy Paper on Migration and Diversity: A Rights-Based Approach to Migration