From words to action: EESC backs stronger anti-racism measures

The fight against racism in Europe must move beyond good intentions and become a genuine political priority, the European Economic and Social Committee says in its recently adopted opinion on the EU Anti-Racism Strategy 2026-2030. 

Adopted at the EESC plenary session on 15 July 2026, the opinion calls on the European institutions and Member States to step up their efforts to combat racism, xenophobia, antisemitism, anti-Roma hatred and all forms of structural discrimination. The Committee warns that racism is not only a threat to individual rights, but also to social cohesion, democracy and peaceful coexistence in Europe. 

As rapporteur Pascal Debay explains: 'The fight against racism within European society as a whole, and in the world of work, must truly become a priority. Equal rights are a prerequisite for living together; discrimination must cease!'

A worrying rise in racism across Europe

In its opinion, the EESC expresses deep concern at the rise in racist acts and language across Europe. It points to the deteriorating situation of minorities and vulnerable groups, including Roma and Travellers, Jewish communities, migrants and people of African, Asian, Arab or Middle Eastern origin. The Committee also warns that xenophobia is increasingly being fuelled by political rhetoric that scapegoats migrants and minorities for economic and social difficulties. 

While welcoming the new EU strategy, the EESC argues that the previous anti-racism action plan showed the limits of relying mainly on voluntary commitments. The Committee therefore calls for the EU Anti-Racism Strategy 2026-2030 to include stronger mechanisms, such as common indicators, regular reporting, proper evaluation and conditional funding. It also urges Member States to adopt national anti-racism plans with clear timelines, monitoring tools and dedicated national coordinators with sufficient resources and accountability. 

From commitments to enforcement

The EESC stresses that EU anti-discrimination legislation must be fully enforced. It calls for expressions of racism to be punishable through effective, proportionate and dissuasive criminal and civil penalties, and encourages the European Commission to use infringement procedures where necessary. The Committee also welcomes stronger standards for equality bodies and the reinforced framework for combating hate speech and hate crime, including online. 

Civil society organisations, including those representing communities affected by racism and discrimination, must be treated as essential partners in designing, implementing and evaluating anti-racism policies, the EESC says. It calls for long-term, secure funding for these organisations, as well as targeted investment in local cultural, social and educational initiatives, particularly in areas affected by segregation, social exclusion or lack of services. 

Tackling discrimination in everyday life

The opinion also highlights the need to address racism in key areas of everyday life. In education, the EESC calls for renewed attention to the historical roots of racism, including colonialism and slavery, through revised curricula, textbooks and teacher training. In healthcare, it urges Member States to ensure equal access to quality services and to pay closer attention to the psychological impact of racism on victims. In housing, it supports discrimination testing and stronger prevention, training and penalty policies to tackle racist barriers in access to public and private housing. 

The world of work is another central concern. The EESC calls for social dialogue and collective bargaining to address racism more directly, including through anti-discrimination protocols, anti-racism clauses in company rules and training campaigns for workers. It also underlines the need to tackle unequal career development, pay discrimination and the combined effects of racial and gender inequalities. 

The Committee is also alarmed by the spread of online hate and violence, particularly among young people. It calls for stronger monitoring of digital platforms, more action against algorithms that help hatred go viral, and closer scrutiny of the use of artificial intelligence where it may contribute to discrimination or the dissemination of racist content. 

Backing ambition with resources

For the EESC, the new strategy must be matched by sufficient resources. The Committee sees the proposed doubling of the EU budget heading for combating racism as a first step, but calls for a clear breakdown of funding and, if needed, additional resources under the next EU budget. It also stands ready to contribute its expertise and its links with civil society, social partners and national organisations to help ensure that the EU Anti-Racism Strategy 2026-2030 delivers concrete results.