World Immigration News

(euobserver)EU's anti-racism strategy blind on immigration

Release Date: 2026-01-21
Media: euobserver
Summary: The European Commission’s updated Anti-Racism Strategy, published on 20 January, has been criticised by civil society groups for failing to address anti-immigrant rhetoric and for avoiding any link to migration policy, despite its close intersection with racism in today’s European politics. While the strategy prioritises better data collection, stronger victim support, and improved enforcement of existing anti-discrimination laws, the European Network Against Racism (ENAR) says it largely repeats the 2020–2025 approach, relies on non-binding measures, and sidesteps the EU’s own role in sustaining structural racism—adding that ENAR was involved in consultations but excluded from drafting.

Critics, including French Green MEP Mélissa Camara, argue that effectively tackling systemic racism requires legally binding rules and real sanctions, and they renewed calls for member states to adopt the long-stalled 2008 Equal Treatment Directive extending protections beyond employment to areas such as healthcare, education, and access to goods and services. Despite the backlash, equality commissioner Hadja Lahbib said “structural racism is everywhere” and expressed confidence the strategy will win support in the Council and Parliament, though the article notes this optimism may be tested as far-right, nationalist and anti-immigrant forces gain influence across Europe.
Tags: Europe

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