MPG Advocates for Stronger Action on Structural Racism at the 8th Permanent Anti-Racism Civil Society Forum

On January 29-30, 2025, the European Commission hosted the 8th Official Meeting of the Permanent Anti-Racism Civil Society Forum and the Targeted Stakeholders’ Consultation on EU Anti-Racism Policies in Brussels.

This pivotal event served as a key moment to evaluate the EU Anti-Racism Action Plan 2020-2025, just one year before its conclusion. Bringing together civil society organisations, policymakers, and experts, the forum will reflect on the achievements, challenges, and necessary steps to advance the fight against racism and discrimination across Europe.

The event featured high-level discussions on policy implementation, legal frameworks, and national strategies, alongside participatory workshops on topics such as structural racism, social inclusion, artificial intelligence, thriving civic space, equality data, work-force diversity and anti-Muslim hatred. Insights gathered from these sessions will directly contribute to shaping the EU’s future anti-racism strategies and ensuring alignment with broader equality policies.

MPG’s Participation and Key Messages

As a committed advocate for evidence-based policies, MPG actively participated in the stakeholders’ consultation on the EU Anti-Racism Action Plan and welcomed the European Commission’s announcement to adopt a new Anti-Racism Strategy in 2025. In its interventions, MPG emphasised the urgent need to make structural racism a central focus of future EU policies.

MPG’s research highlights that structural racism is deeply embedded in Europe’s institutions and society, requiring a comprehensive policy approach. To effectively address this issue, MPG called for:

• Explicit recognition of structural racism within EU and national legal frameworks.
• Stronger enforcement of anti-discrimination laws to ensure accountability.
• Improved equality data collection to track racial disparities and measure progress.
• A ban on racial profiling, ensuring that law enforcement practices do not discriminate against racialised communities.
• Accessible and effective legal remedies for victims of discrimination.
• Public awareness campaigns to highlight the systemic nature of racism.
• Reconciliation measures to address historical injustices and their lasting effects.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening the EU’s Anti-Racism Framework

During the forum, the European Commission also announced its intention to launch a further consultation with stakeholders in the near future to shape the next steps of the EU’s anti-racism efforts. This consultation will provide civil society organisations, researchers, and policymakers with an additional opportunity to contribute insights and recommendations for the post-2025 anti-racism strategy.

MPG remains committed to collaborating with the European Commission and civil society partners to advance anti-racism policies that are robust, evidence-based, and impactful. As Europe moves towards a new Anti-Racism Strategy in 2025, MPG will continue advocating for a comprehensive approach that tackles systemic barriers, protects vulnerable communities, and promotes a more inclusive society.

For three decades, MPG has been at the forefront of migration, integration, and anti-discrimination research. As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that anti-racism remains a political priority at the EU level—not just as a policy objective, but as a fundamental principle for a just and equitable Europe.