The EU Lisbon Treaty: What implications for anti-racism?

Abstract

From the introdution: Anti-racism policy in the European Union has evolved since the mid-1990s from scattered policies contained in a wide range of documents to a more comprehensive protection. However, there is still scope for improvement and the question that must be asked is whether the Lisbon Treaty contributes to the protection of fundamental rights in the European Union. The aim of this publication is to trace the origin and development of anti-racism policy in the European Union prior to the Lisbon Treaty before turning to an explanation and assessment of the main changes brought about in this area by the Treaty and its Charter of Fundamental Rights. Anti-racism is to be interpreted as the fight against racial discrimination and xenophobia and the promotion of equal treatment for ethnic and religious minorities and third country nationals residing in the EU. On the basis of this definition this publication suggests advocacy strategies for NGOs seeking to combat racism and discrimination in the European Union. The target audience of the publication are civil society groups combating racism and discrimination in Europe.