FEMYSO Participates in First-Ever EU Anti-Racism Conference in Brussels

The Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations participated in shaping discussions at the first ever Anti-Racism Conference organised by the European Commission in Brussels, in collaboration with the Cyprus Presidency of the EU. Marking the launch of the EU Anti-Racism Strategy 2026–2030, the event represents a key moment in defining the Union’s future approach to combating racism and advancing equality.

Bringing together stakeholders from EU institutions, academia, and civil society, the conference created a space for exchange on both the structural dimensions of racism and the policy responses required to address them. Contributions from speakers such as Michaela Moua (Anti-Racism Coordinator of the European Commission), Sirpa Rautio (Director at FRA), and Domenica Ghidei-Bhidu (ECRI) highlighted ongoing challenges, while also outlining institutional commitments to advancing anti-racism efforts across Europe.

Within this context, FEMYSO’s participation reflects a strategic engagement at a critical policy moment. As an organisation representing Muslim youth across Europe, its presence in early-stage discussions around the Anti-Racism Strategy is essential to ensuring that lived realities are not overlooked. By contributing directly to policy conversations, FEMYSO reinforces its role as a credible and necessary stakeholder in European anti-racism policymaking; one that moves beyond consultation toward sustained advocacy and accountability.

FEMYSO took part in the “Protecting Civic Space in the EU” breakout session, where discussions focused on the increasing constraints faced by civil society organisations. Participants identified key challenges including limited access to funding, shrinking civic space, and the rise of smear campaigns targeting advocacy groups. In response, FEMYSO emphasised the need for EU institutions to engage in meaningful and sustained dialogue with affected organisations, rather than sidelining them. These contributions were subsequently reflected in the plenary session, underscoring both their relevance and resonance within broader discussions.

At the same time, while the launch of the Anti-Racism Strategy represents an important institutional step, its long-term significance will depend on whether it is matched by concrete action. Without clear implementation plans, robust monitoring mechanisms, and enforceable accountability structures, there is a real risk that the strategy remains limited in impact. For organisations such as FEMYSO, continued engagement will be crucial, not only to support the strategy’s ambitions, but also to ensure that commitments translate into tangible improvements for affected communities.

Preliminary observations of the Anti-Racism Strategy 2026–2030 also point to areas requiring further scrutiny. Questions remain regarding how comprehensively structural forms of racism are addressed, as well as whether specific manifestations, such as anti-Muslim racism, are sufficiently recognised and tackled.  A more in-depth analysis of the strategy’s scope and enforcement tools will be essential in assessing its potential to deliver meaningful change. In this regard, sustained advocacy from civil society actors, including FEMYSO, will play a key role in shaping both the interpretation and implementation of the framework in the years to come.