As Member of the European Parliament, why join the Anti-Racism and Diversity Intergroup?
What is the role of ARDI?
The European Parliament Anti-Racism and Diversity Intergroup (ARDI) is a cross-party group of elected Members of the European Parliament working to promote racial equality and justice and raise awareness about non-discrimination and intersectionality in the work of the European Parliament.
In 2019-2024, ARDI was one of the largest intergroups in the European Parliament. It was composed of 81 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from almost all political groups (including S&D, EPP, RENEW Europe, The Left, Greens/EFA) and from 21 Member States. This diverse leadership structure emphasises ARDI’s commitment to inclusive representation and collaborative efforts in combating racism and promoting diversity.
In the current political climate where anti-democratic sentiments question the key founding principle of equality and directly affects the most marginalised, it is crucial to highlight the alarming rise of the far-right. Now, more than ever, we need a strong presence in the European Parliament of like-minded MEPs that will champion equality, inclusion and diversity.
Key-objectives for 2024-2029
Considering the political developments, the Anti-Racism and Diversity Intergroup’s objectives should revolve around:
1. Building a progressive front against racism in Europe by offering a bold alternative narrative to counter the normalisation of non-democratic ideas.
2. Promoting the development and the implementation of anti-racism legislation and policies as well as advocating for the enforcement of existing laws, while addressing intersecting inequalities.
3. Formulating and amending policies and initiatives that address structural and institutional racism in various areas, including migration, security, employment, digital rights, climate justice, healthcare and education.
4. Raising awareness and advising about the prevalence and impact of racism against various racialised groups in Europe.
5. Collaborating with CSOs, advocacy groups and other stakeholders working on anti-racism and with people from racialised groups to ensure their meaningful participation and leverage collective expertise and lived experiences.
Achievements of ARDI 2019-2024
ARDI has utilised the tools available in the Parliament and submitted parliamentary questions, proposed hearings in Committees, organised events and helped hundreds of people from different racialised groups to come to the EP and have their voices heard, initiated and formulated content of resolutions, reports, plenary sessions, political groups’ position papers, and strengthened partnership with institutions and civil society to shape narratives, laws, policies and practice in the EU.
Awareness raising:
Since its establishment, ARDI played a significant role in being at forefront of advocacy for the rights of racialised people at the European Parliament (People of African Descent, Roma, Muslims, Jews, Arab and Asian Descent, etc.) and those at the intersections of inequalities (women, LGBTI, people with disabilities, older persons, youth, etc.). It did that through speaking up during plenary sessions, organising events and hearings and closely collaborating with CSOs by facilitating a platform for meaningful participation. Notable events include the Anti-Racism and Diversity Weeks (annual event to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination – March 21), and the joint European Commission and European Parliament Inaugural Commemoration of the European Day for the Abolition of the Slave Trade (December 2).
Legislative:
As one of the biggest intergroups of the European Parliament, ARDI’s contribution to the legislative work of the institution has been important. ARDI members have contributed to the development, supported, advocated for and welcomed the launch of the first ever EU wide Anti-Racism policy – EU Anti-Racism Action Plan adopted in 2020, in the aftermath of the Black Lives Matter movement. ARDI MEPs set the agenda on anti-racism, discrimination, migration and other issues pertaining to racialised minorities.
Notable legislative initiatives to be acknowledged:
• European Parliament resolution of 19 June 2020 on the anti-racism protests following the death of George Floyd
• REPORT on the role of culture, education, media and sport in the fight against racism (2021/2057(INI))
• European Parliament resolution of 6 July 2022 on intersectional discrimination in the European Union: the socio-economic situation of women of African, Middle-Eastern, Latin-American and Asian descent
• European Parliament resolution of 10 November 2022 on racial justice, non-discrimination and anti-racism in the EU
• Directive of 10 May 2023 to strengthen the application of the principle of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value between men and women through pay transparency and enforcement mechanisms
• European Parliament resolution of 4 October 2023 on the segregation and discrimination of Roma children in education (2023/2840(RSP))
Political Advocacy:
ARDI has been proactive in addressing racism directly within the EP by demanding action against hate-speech by MEPs and have also cooperated with the Directorate General for Personnel and the High-Level Group for Gender Equality and Diversity to develop the internal policy and advance diversity in the Parliament. Throughout the mandate, ARDI MEPs have called for action against cases of racism, discrimination and other human rights abuses against minorities in Europe, and attended key high-level events organised by the European Commission, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, and other institutions, including at national level.
Benefits of joining ARDI:
Joining the Anti-Racism and Diversity intergroup of the European Parliament can provide stronger ground and legitimacy to champion equality and advocate against racism. Among the benefits that can be highlighted:
• Join meetings, events, and legislative initiatives, receive requests to co-sign amendments, parliamentary questions and letters, join the proposals to advance policies and practice to a diversity of structures in and out of the Parliament.
• Access to supportive network of like-minded MEPs with whom you can jointly work on promoting the rights of racialised minorities and people at the intersections of discrimination.
• Enhanced visibility and credibility as champions for human rights and social justice.
• Liaison point with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) who can offer their expertise, experience and support in advocating for racial justice at the European Parliament.
• In a leadership role (as a Bureau Member), in addition receive support by the Secretariat in your parliamentary day-to-day work, get proposals and support in leading initiatives concerning the fight against racism, i.e. in drafting parliamentary questions, plenary input, speaking points, amendments, input into draft reports and event organising.