MPG at the 2026 European Anti-Racism Conference: Advancing a Collective Commitment to Structural Change
On 17 March 2026, MPG participated in the European Anti-Racism Conference in Brussels, marking the official launch of the EU Anti-Racism Strategy 2026–2030.
The conference brought together representatives from EU institutions, Member States, civil society, academia, and international organisations to reflect on lessons learned and to identify concrete pathways for implementing the new Strategy. Discussions focused on addressing structural racism across key areas of life, including education, employment, housing, and healthcare, while reinforcing the importance of stronger enforcement mechanisms, improved equality data, and cross-sector collaboration.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in both plenary and breakout sessions exploring critical themes such as racism as a barrier to equal socio-economic outcomes, the intersection of racism and migration, the protection of civic space, and the risks of algorithmic discrimination in an increasingly digital society. The conference also emphasised the need to move beyond policy commitments towards measurable and sustained impact.
MPG’s Carmine Conte and Isabelle Chopin at the conference.
Reflecting on MPG’s participation, Director Isabelle Chopin highlighted the urgency and responsibility of the moment:
“Attending the 2026 European Anti-Racist Conference was a powerful reminder that progress requires more than dialogue. It demands sustained commitment, collaboration, and accountability. The exchange of ideas, lived experiences, and policy approaches highlighted both how far we have come and how much work remains.
MPG’s work sits at the heart of this effort. By bridging research, policy, and practice, MPG helps ensure that anti-racism is not just an aspiration, but a structured and measurable priority. Spaces like this conference reinforce the importance of evidence-based advocacy and cross-sector partnerships in tackling systemic inequalities. Speaking today about racism as a systemic structural reality with deep roots is a necessity, a responsibility and an emergency.
What stood out most was the shared understanding that anti-racism must be embedded into institutions, not treated as a one-off initiative. MPG’s continued engagement in these conversations strengthens its ability to support meaningful, lasting change across communities. The path forward is collective, and MPG is committed to reinforcing its work in tackling structural and institutional racism.”
MPG’s contribution to the conference reinforced its long-standing commitment to evidence-based policymaking and its role in supporting stakeholders across Europe in addressing systemic inequalities. By connecting research, policy, and practice, MPG continues to contribute to shaping inclusive frameworks that respond to the realities of those affected by racism.
As the EU Anti-Racism Strategy 2026–2030 enters its implementation phase, sustained collaboration between institutions, civil society, and expert networks will be essential. MPG remains committed to contributing to this collective effort and to advancing meaningful, lasting change across Europe.
Read our policy brief Racial Structural Discrimination and Migrant Voice: Who Gets Heard in European Democracies?
Explore our policy recommendations Time to Talk about and Tackle Structural and Institutional Racism in the EU.
About the Migration Policy Group (MPG)
MPG is an independent think-and-do-tank based in Brussels. MPG’s purpose is rooted in its ability to inspire networks to provide evidence-based projects, research and campaigns in the areas of integration, migration and anti-discrimination.