EU Representatives Advanced Anti-Racism Measures
Permanent representatives have drafted new conclusions aimed at combating discrimination across European Union member states.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Safety
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Permanent representatives of the European Union Member States met on September 23 to prepare new conclusions focused on combating racism and discrimination. These draft conclusions are slated for formal approval by justice ministers in the coming weeks.
Why it matters
The initiative seeks to mitigate the ongoing harm that racism and systemic discrimination inflict upon individuals and broader society. It continues a multi-year effort to formalize union-wide policy against intolerance.
The proposed strategy covers the 2026-2030 period, serving as the successor to the 2020-2025 action plan. This development follows a series of regular exchanges on racism facilitated by six successive presidencies since June 2023.
The players
Council of the European Union
This is the institution where government ministers from each EU member state meet to discuss, amend, and adopt laws.
European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights
This is an independent body that provides evidence-based assistance and expertise to EU institutions and member states on fundamental rights matters.
The details
Permanent representatives prepared the draft text following a September 18 note from the Council of the European Union Presidency. Justice ministers are scheduled to review these measures and hold a formal exchange with the director of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights.
Timeline
September 18, 2026: The Council of the European Union Presidency issued a preparatory note.
September 23, 2026: Permanent representatives met to draft the conclusions.
October 2, 2026: Justice ministers will meet in Luxembourg to approve the final conclusions.
Seasonal Patterns
This effort follows the Council conclusions on combating racism and antisemitism adopted in March 2022. The current proposal extends that institutional commitment by codifying a new strategic framework for the upcoming four-year cycle.
This policy development establishes the foundation for future legal frameworks regarding discrimination. Citizens can monitor official EU channels for upcoming legislative adjustments that may impact national anti-discrimination statutes.
The takeaway
These draft conclusions represent a long-term commitment to addressing structural discrimination through collaborative governance. The move underscores the role of international bodies in setting unified standards for civil protections.
What happens next
Justice ministers are scheduled to hold an exchange of views and conduct a formal approval of the conclusions at their next Council meeting on October 2, 2026, in Luxembourg.
Further reading
Learn more about ongoing regional safety initiatives in the Safety section.
More information
Read the full text of the Presidency of the Council EU note to understand the proposed anti-discrimination measures.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Agence Europe.
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