Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on the 'European Action Plan Against Racism'
Date: 1999-03-11
Institutions: European Committee of the Regions
Subjects: anti-discriminatory measure, racism

C 198/48

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Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on the ‘European Action Plan Against Racism’

(1999/C 198/10)

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS,

having regard to the communication from the European Commission on ‘An Action Plan Against Racism’
COM(98) 183 of 25 March 1998;

having regard to the ‘Copenhagen criteria’ concerning future enlargement, adopted by the Council in
1993;

having regard to its Opinion of 13 June 1996 (CdR 156/96 fin) (1) on the proposal for a Council Decision
proclaiming 1997 European Year against racism;

having regard to the establishment of the European Monitoring Centre for Racism & Xenophobia in
Vienna (Council Decision of 15 July 1996);

having regard to its own-initiative Opinion of 12 June 1997 (CdR 80/97 fin) (2) on racism, xenophobia
and anti-semitism;

having regard to its resolution of 18 September 1997 (CdR 237/97 fin) (3) on future COR appointments
in terms of equal opportunities;

having regard to its report of 19 November 1997 (CdR 343/97) on equal opportunities in the Committee
of the Regions — outcomes and recommendations for future actions;

having regard to the ‘Charter of European political parties for a non-racist society’ adopted on 5 December
1997;

having regard to the Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (SOC/361) of 10 September 1998;

having regard to the Graz declaration of 9 November 1998 adopted during the European Conference on
Racism and Xenophobia in Graz, 9 November 1998 (annex);

having regard to the EP report (Oostlander) of 3 December 1998 on the Action Plan Against Racism;

having regard to the decision by its Bureau on 15 July 1998, in accordance with Article 198c(4) of the
EC Treaty, to issue an Opinion on the Action Plan against racism;

having regard to the draft Opinion (CdR 369/98 rev. 1) adopted by Commission 5 on 26 January 1999
(rapporteur: Mr Moore),

adopted the following opinion at its 28th plenary session on 10 and 11 March 1999 (meeting of 11
March).

1.

Introduction: the need for action at the European level

Definition: Racism is a collective term for various
1.1.
forms of intolerance and discrimination. It covers xenophobia,
anti-semitism, anti-islam and other forms of racist and religious
discrimination.

(1) OJ C 337, 11.11.1996, p. 63.
(2) OJ C 244, 11.8.1997, p. 58.
(3) OJ C 379, 15.12.1997, p. 65.

Although the European Union was created to pro-
1.1.1.
mote peaceful co-existence in Europe and between its citizens,
violence and harassment, discrimination and exclusion con-
tinue to affect the lives of millions of people resident in the
Member States.

Racism is alive and flourishing in the European
1.1.2.
Union: a recent survey conducted by the European Com-
mission found that 33 % of Europeans declare themselves to
be either ‘racist’ or ‘quite racist’, although in some Member
States this figures exceeds 50 %. Racism can take many forms,
from violent assault and murder, through verbal abuse and
stereotyping, to more subtle forms of harassment, exclusion
and discrimination.

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for goods

and people,

1.1.3.
It is important to recognize that this is a Europe-wide
issue that demands action at European, national, regional and
local level, as well as internationally. In a single market with
anti-
freedom of movement
discrimination legislation applied in one Member State can be
circumvented by simply moving to an adjacent state and
broadcasting or distributing from there. Free movement of
workers and the freedom of establishment have also generated
internal migrations that have brought diversity to our com-
munities, but have also created ready scapegoats in periods of
economic decline. Lastly, racist organizations such as the
neo-nazi movement have themselves created Europe-wide
networks for the dissemination of racist material and co-
ordinated action.

In this respect, the Internet merits a special mention
1.1.4.
insofar as it has become a highly influential instrument in
social, educational and cultural terms, enabling the public and
educationalists to overcome existing barriers to the design and
distribution of entirely legitimate material. However, in other
cases, the Internet may also become the ideal vehicle for
conveying potentially harmful or illegal material, as is already
the case as regards its role in distributing racist material and
information.

Discrimination, including racial discrimination, is one of the
most harmful purposes for which the Internet is increasingly
being used. That is why there is a growing need for coordinated
action by the Member States and the EU as a whole to identify
these uses and develop strategies allowing users to continue
enjoying the enormous benefits of the Internet, while being
protected at the same time.

1.1.5.
It is clear therefore, that in an internal market there
is a need for co-ordinated anti-racist action and legislation at
the European level. Ethnic and cultural diversity is one of the
defining characteristics of ‘European’ civilization, and must be
cherished as a positive and enriching factor.

1.1.6.
Until now, efforts to combat racism, xenophobia,
anti-semitism, islamophobia and other forms of racial and
religious intolerance or discrimination have been constrained
at the European level by the absence of a clear legal com-
petence. The Treaty of Amsterdam will provide this com-
petence and the Commission has undertaken to produce draft
legislation in 1999. In the interim, the Commission has already
published an Action Plan Against Racism in order to pave the
way for future legislation.

2. Development of a European anti-racism policy

2.1. General developments

2.1.1.
The institutions of the European Union have fre-
quently called for action against racism, xenophobia, anti-
semitism and islamophobia. Successive resolutions of the
Parliament and Council
identified the need for action and
legislation based on a new Treaty provision. This has now
been achieved as the result of the Amsterdam Treaty which
inserts into the EC Treaty at Art. 13: ‘Without prejudice to the
other provisions of this Treaty and within the limits of the
powers conferred on it, the Council, acting unanimously on a
proposal
from the Commission and after consulting the
European Parliament, may take appropriate action to combat
discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or
belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.’

At Art. 29 the Treaty also calls for ‘common action
2.1.2.
among the Member States in the fields of police and judicial
co-operation...by preventing and combating racism and xeno-
phobia.’

It is recalled that the COR’s 1996 opinion underlined the
‘crucial’ role of the police and judicial system in reducing
racism and prejudice. It called for equal opportunities in the
recruitment of police forces and for appropriate training to
ensure that police officers are sensitive to the needs of minority
communities and religious groups.

2.1.3.
In parallel with the Treaty amendments there have
been a number of significant developments. The Commission
established the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and
Xenophobia in Vienna in June 1997. Its main remit is to study
the extent and trends of racism, xenophobia and anti-semitism
in the European Union, and to analyze causes, and effects/
consequences. The Centre’s findings will be published in an
annual report. The Council designated 1997 as European Year
against Racism, which was important in raising the profile of
the fight against racism, in building pan-European networks
and coalitions against racism (including the recently established
European Anti-racism Network of ngos), and putting pressure
on the Amsterdam IGC to act. Finally, building on the
achievements of the foregoing, the Commission published an
Action Plan Against Racism on 25 March 1998.

1.1.7.
It is recalled that legislation combating discrimi-
nation on the basis of gender is well-established if not
necessarily well-developed or highly-effective. The need for
European action against other forms of discrimination nat-
urally follows and is given greater force by inclusion of the
comprehensive anti-discrimination clause in the Amsterdam
Treaty (new Art. 13).

2.1.4.
In its 1996 opinion, the COR welcomed the proposal
for designating 1997 as European Year Against Racism and
declared that it ‘fully supports the intentions of the Com-
mission to curb racism, xenophobia and anti-semitism’. The
1996 opinion and the subsequent own-initiative opinion of
1997 put particular emphasis on the need for exchange of
experience and best practice at the local and regional level.

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2.1.5.
The COR published a Statement of Intent in 1998 in
which it asserts that it ‘will resist discrimination whatever its
form — for example, on the grounds of gender, ethnic origin,
disability, age, sexuality or religion’. It is therefore important
that the COR applies to these categories of discrimination, the
same high-level activities that it undertook with regard to
gender, notably in terms of
its own employment policy
(recruitment, training, promotion, terms and conditions of
employment, harassment — to be achieved through its Equal
Opportunities Joint Committee [COPEC]); the scope of the
senior member of staff assigned to promote equality issues
within the COR; the scope of the annual equal opportunities
report; developing an audit process for opinions and docu-
ments into a comprehensive mainstreaming policy; developing
an equality monitoring and evaluation strategy; regular moni-
toring of the composition of COR members and a research
project to survey the experiences of black and ethnic minority
members or members whose national or cultural background
differs from the indigenous one; workshops for members and
officers to raise awareness of equality issues.

2.1.6.
The European Commission refers to the importance
of mainstreaming the fight against racism into its pre-accession
strategy and in progress reports. The COR has a contribution
to make through its Contact Group with Cyprus and Central
& Eastern Europe. This group has the opportunity to publicize
best practice at the local and regional level, existing national
legislation and, ultimately, the Community aquis that the
applicant countries must accept. The fight against racism must
be an integral element of all contacts through this Group.

2.1.7.
incorporated into the COR political priorities.

Equal opportunities,

in its broadest definition,

is

3. The role of local and regional authorities

3.1.

Introduction

Local and regional authorities have a pivotal role to
3.1.1.
play. This level, which is closest to the citizen, can marshal
social, cultural, economic and political instruments both to
promote the integration of minorities with the resident
communities, and can actively combat discrimination and the
causes of discrimination in employment and at the workplace,
in schools and colleges, and throughout the community.

3.2. Key activities

3.2.1.
combating racism in seven key spheres:

Local authorities can and should be catalytic in

3.2.1.1. E q u a l i t y p o l i c i e s a n d p r a c t i c e s

f o r

t h e r e g i o n

Local or regional authority policies can be assessed for equality
impact on the basis of mainstreaming equality across all
aspects of the authority’s work within the context of an overall
equality strategy.

3.2.1.2. T h e A u t h o r i t y a s a n e m p l o y e r

Most local or regional authorities are among the largest
employers in their areas and therefore can have an important
demonstration-effect in terms of recruitment and selection
guidelines; monitoring and appraisal; training.

3.2.1.3. C a t a l y s t a n d a c t i v e a g e n t i n l e g i s l a t -

i v e a n d s o c i a l a w a r e n e s s

Local and regional authorities can improve employer-
awareness of their obligations and the benefits of an open
recruitment policy through various media. The local authority
as a large-scale purchaser of goods and services may be a
catalyst for this. In terms of social awareness, local and regional
authorities should strive constantly in various ways to alter the
general public’s attitudes and create a climate of disapproval
and rejection of racism.

3.2.1.4. S o c i a l p a r t n e r s h i p s

Racism does not exist in a vacuum — issues in the community
cannot be tackled unless there are inter-agency and trans-
service collaborations between social services, police, housing,
schools, probation services, community development organ-
izations, voluntary organizations, ngos, and employment
services.

3.2.1.5. E d u c a t i o n a n d t r a i n i n g

teachers, support

Education is a key area in which local and regional authorities
can contribute to the fight against racism. In its 1996 opinion,
the COR called for networks to exchange educational material,
for disadvantaged
in-service training of
for the
pupils to enter the teaching profession, support
teaching of Community languages, and the development
within the overall curriculum of anti-racist education. The EU
assists education authorities through its various education
programmes, notably through promoting trans-national
school exchanges, which prepare an awareness of other
cultures and societies, and a capacity to live in a multi-cultural
and multi-racial environment.

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3.2.1.6. P o l i t i c a l

a c t i v i s m a n d
s t r e a m i n g o f ‘ v o i c e a n d o w n e r s h i p ’

t h e m a i n -

It is important to engage minority groups in the political
process, both as voters and as candidates.
It is only by
involving minorities in this process can policies and legislation
be developed that address the needs and aspirations of all
sectors of the community, and overcome a culture of exclusion
and alienation.

3.2.1.7. U r b a n

r e g e n e r a t i o n

a n d

d e v e l o p -

m e n t

The European Commission puts an emphasis on linking urban
policy with the fight against racism. This is vital as it is in cities
that the concentration of long-term and youth unemployment
and economic and environmental deprivation fosters racial
and other social tensions. Local authorities have a key role to
play in addressing these and other causes of racism that
manifest themselves at the local level.

3.2.1.8. S t r u c t u r a l F u n d P o l i c y

Action to tackle social exclusion and discrimination in all its
forms is an active part of the Commission’s attitude towards
the European Social Fund and the Community Initiative
Integra. It is important that this receives even greater promi-
nence in the revised guidelines for the Structural Funds after
1999, with explicit reference to the need for coordinated
action at local, regional, national and EU level to tackle the
problem of racism in all its forms.

4. European Action Plan Against Racism

4.1. Outline of the Action Plan

4.1.1.
The European Commission’s Action Plan Against
Racism aims to establish a coherent framework for measures
to combat racism at the European level, and practical and
procedural measures to prepare the ground for legislation and
future and more ambitious action. There are four strands:

4.1.2.
Paving the way for legislative initiatives — the
European Commission will propose new legislation to combat
various categories of discrimination in 1999;

4.1.3. Mainstreaming the fight against racism — the Com-
mission will mainstream its effort across policy areas, and will
take account of the principle of non-discrimination in its
recruitment policy;

4.1.4.
Developing and exchanging new models — the
active involvement of minority groups is seen as key in
planning, developing and implementing all aspects of project
work, highlighting contributions, and promoting positive

messages about the benefits of diversity. Areas for specific
focus could include racism in the workplace and in sport, in
everyday life, the role of the media, and legal measures for
combating racism and specific actions of publicly funded
bodies like regional councils and local authorities;

Strengthening information and communication
4.1.5.
action — the European Commission intends to raise the
visibility of the campaign against racism.

4.1.6.
The Commission will publish a report setting out the
progress made by the end of 1999. The report will focus on
legislative and mainstreaming developments, taking account
of the results of two conferences on these subjects in 1998
and 1999 respectively.

4.2. The local and regional dimension in the Action Plan

4.2.1.
The Action Plan stresses the need for partnerships
and co-operation between local authorities and Member States,
ngos, the social partners, media and sports bodies. In particular,
the Commission recognizes that local authorities have a key
role to play in developing strategies to prevent and combat
racism at the level closest to the citizen.

4.2.2. Many of the activities identified in the Action Plan,
such as schools-based and youth activities, measures under the
new Community Initiative for equality (EQUAL), cultural
actions and the inclusion of social objectives into public
procurement, have implications for local and regional auth-
orities as service providers, facilitators and purchasers. Unfor-
tunately, the local/regional dimension is not clearly articulated
in the Action Plan.

4.3. Assessment of the Action Plan

4.3.1.
There is much to be welcomed in the Action Plan.
The concept of mainstreaming is important although it is vital
that this must not lead to a loss of focus and visibility for
anti-discriminatory policies and activities — as appears to be
the trend in the sphere of gender-mainstreaming. The Action
Plan is surely right in giving attention to identifying the causes
of racism, and in this respect the references to schools-based
and youth activities is relevant and of considerable interest to
local authorities; the rapporteur calls on the Vienna Centre to
research and identify the underlying factors that feed racism,
xenophobia, anti-semitism and islamophobia in order that an
appropriate strategy can be constructed at local, regional,
national and European levels. It is already clear, however, that
conditions of high or long-term unemployment both feed
racial tension and impact disproportionately on immigrants
and ethnic minorities — here again,
local and regional
authorities have a role both as very significant employers and
in developing sub-national strategies for job creation and
tackling youth unemployment.

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4.3.2.
It is regretted however, that the Action Plan is
restricted essentially to regrouping and rebranding existing
policies. Whilst incorporating many diverse and progressive
actions, the Action Plan as a whole includes little that is new
or innovative. Given that most of the actions identified were
devised within the context and objectives of other Community
programmes and initiatives, it cannot be guaranteed that they
will deliver an optimal anti-racism strategy: there is a clear
need for the internal inter-service co-ordination group that is
proposed by the Action Plan. One could go further and
recommend that there should be an inter-institutional working
group, linking with the Vienna Centre and the newly estab-
lished European Anti-Racist Network of ngos, including the
Migrants Forum. Finally, there is no guarantee that those
aspects of Community policy identified as supporting the
Action Plan Against Racism will be adequately funded: no
budgetary assessment is given in the Commission paper.

citizens within the UK. However, these benefits cease once
they move to another EU Member State. The issue of family
members is also of concern, as legally resident third country
nationals also have a basic human right to family life. The
concept of European citizenship, introduced by the Maastricht
Treaty, confers on all European citizens the right to stand and
vote in local and regional elections in their country of
residence; this right could be conferred on third country
nationals subject to a qualifying period of residence.

5.5.
It must be recognized that although the Member States
included the anti-discrimination clause in the Treaty, this is no
guarantee that they will agree new legislation nor that it will
be applied effectively. Pressure must be put on national
governments to use the new provisions urgently and compre-
hensively.

5. Towards a legislative framework

6. Concluding remarks

5.1.
In its 1996 opinion, the COR welcomed the intention
to apply non-discrimination clauses in community instruments
and gave support to the IGC proposals to strengthen Treaty
provisions in this respect.

The experience of existing anti-discrimination legis-
5.2.
lation in the field of gender-equality provides useful lessons:
the scope of gender-equality legislation has largely been limited
to employment issues by the restrictiveness of the existing
legal base; it has not always transposed well into national
it is rarely implemented effectively. Few would
legislation;
deny that a gender-gap exists in terms of pay and employment,
even though the Equal Treatment Directive has been in force
for well over 20 years.

5.3.
It is therefore essential that any future legislation has a
comprehensive scope (now provided for by the Amsterdam
Treaty) and procedures for monitoring and enforcement,
including the right of individuals to be represented by inter-
mediaries to avoid the fear of identification and reprisal.
Equally, whereas the anti-discrimination clause refers to a wide
range of types of discrimination, each has a different cause and
manifestation: the European Commission should consider a
series of individual directives addressing specific forms of
discrimination, to complement a general framework directive.

5.4.
For example, specific action may be considered to
favour the 10 million third-country nationals who legally
reside and work within the European Union. Many third
country nationals benefit currently from preferential treatment
within their country of residence by virtue of bilateral agree-
ments with their country of origin, e.g. Commonwealth

The need to combat racism and various forms of
6.1.
harassment and discrimination is manifest. Efforts are needed
at local and regional level — and at national and European
level — supported by voluntary organizations, to provide
co-ordination and collaboration across borders, and to combat
the increasing mobility and co-ordination of racist groups
within the single market.

Racism and discrimination must be tackled in a wide
6.1.1.
range of policy fields: education, vocational
training and
youth policy; employment; social security; health and welfare
benefits; urban policy; housing; provision of facilities and
services; the exercise of its functions by any public body,
including public procurement; etc.

6.2. Well-targeted European legislation would add force to
anti-racist activities and would provide the assurance of a
common high level of assurance throughout the EU and, in
the context of enlargement, across the wider Europe. The
activities identified in the Action Plan will also contribute to a
generalized effort to combat racism, but they must be well
co-ordinated and must fully reflect the role and capacities of
local and regional authorities.

7. Conclusions

7.1.

The Committee of the Regions:

Recognizes that racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism
7.1.1.
and islamophobia are Europe-wide phenomena requiring a
Europe-wide response.

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7.1.2.
Considers that local and regional authorities, because
of their proximity to the citizen and because of the cultural
and racial diversity of their constituencies, bear a special
responsibility to combat discrimination and exclusion, and to
promote participation in the political process.

7.3.5.
Recognizes the pivotal role of education and employ-
ment policies in tackling the causes of racial tension, and the
role of educational authorities and schools in devising school
curricula which promote the values of solidarity, pluralism,
tolerance and the celebration of diversity, and to improve the
education of migrant workers.

7.1.3.
fight against racism as a constant priority in policy-making.

Calls upon local and regional authorities to treat the

7.1.4.
Recognizes that the Action Plan against racism is
closely bound to the ratification of the Amsterdam Treaty and
the competences and legislation that will flow from it, which
will together create an environment for positive action by the
Committee of the Regions.

As regards EU competences after ratification of the

7.2.
Amsterdam Treaty:

7.2.1.
Recognizes that the Amsterdam Treaty specifically
states that one of the EU’s objectives is to prevent and combat
racism and xenophobia (new Treaty Art. 29) and that the
Council may take appropriate action to combat discrimination
based on race or ethnic origin, religion or belief (new Treaty
Art. 13).

in 1999,

7.2.2. Welcomes Commissioner Flynn’s undertaking to
propose,
directive on anti-
discrimination, to be supplemented with a series of individual
directives addressing specific issues pertaining to different
forms of discrimination.

framework

a

Requests that the COR be directly consulted on all
7.2.3.
legislative proposals consequent upon ratification of
the
Amsterdam Treaty in the field on anti-discrimination and
equal opportunities, having local or regional considerations.

7.3.

As regards the Action Plan Against Racism:

7.3.1. Welcomes the publication of the Action Plan Against
Racism as an interim measure to prepare the ground for future
action following ratification of the Amsterdam Treaty.

7.3.2. Welcomes the application of
the mainstreaming
principle, but wants this to go beyond the cosmetic rebranding
of existing actions and therefore calls for an integrated strategy
to combat racism and for regionally and locally based measures
taken under the Plan to be clearly and viably structured.

7.3.6.
Calls on the Commission to produce, in conjunction
with the COR, a vademecum of best practice in the field of
local and regional actions against racism.

7.3.7.
Calls for the establishment of an inter-institutional
contact group to co-ordinate and promote activities at a
European level, in conjunction with the European Monitoring
Centre on Racism and Xenophobia and the European Network
Against Racism.

7.4.

As regards the Committee of the Regions itself:

7.4.1.
Considers that the COR, as the EU body representing
local and regional authorities, has a key role to play in
promoting European citizenship and in promoting social
cohesion and equal access to public services.

Recalls that equal opportunities,

in its broadest
7.4.2.
definition, represents a horizontal political priority of the
COR, as established at the extraordinary Bureau of 10.6.1998.

7.4.3.
Recalls its resolution and reports of September-
November 1997 and the 1998 Statement of intent on equal
opportunities in the COR, specifically as regards the work of
the commissions and staffing policy of the COR, confirms that
the resolution applies to all forms of discrimination including
on grounds of race or religious beliefs, and instructs the
Secretary-general to expedite action in this regard.

7.4.4.
political parties for a non-racist society’.

Emphatically endorses the ‘Charter of European

7.4.5.
Firmly rejects any form of alliance or political
co-operation with or between individual members or political
groups which advocate racist or discriminatory policies, or
who hold office with the support of avowedly racist or
xenophobic parties in their local or regional councils.

7.3.3.
anti-racist activities and organizations or networks.

Calls for greater resources to be allocated to European

7.4.6.
Undertakes to participate in EU-wide activities, fora
and campaigns involving the EU institutions in the fight
against racism.

7.3.4.
assessment of
intolerance and discrimination.

Calls for the provision of reliable data and an
the causes of racism and other forms of

Undertakes, as part of its ongoing contacts with the
7.4.7.
applicant countries of Central, Eastern and Southern Europe,
the existing
to inform local and regional authorities of

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Community acquis and best practice in the EU Member States,
and to make best endeavour to engage in dialogue with

community groups working with minorities or migrants
within the applicant countries.

Brussels, 11 March 1999.

The President

of the Committee of the Regions

Manfred DAMMEYER

APPENDIX

to the opinion on the Committee of the Regions

Graz Declaration

At the European conference held in Graz (Austria) on racism and xenophobia, which coincides with the 60th
anniversary of ‘Kristallnacht’, the Conference:

Considering that respect for human rights constitutes a fundamental principle shared by all Member States, and
which is guaranteed by the democratic and pluralist political systems within the European Union, based on
parliamentary institutions and independent judicial machinery;

Having regard to both its opinion of 13 June 1996 (1) on the ‘Proposal for a Council Decision proclaiming 1997
European Year against Racism’ and its own-initiative opinion of 12 June 1997 (2) on ‘Racism, xenophobia and
anti-semitism’;

Whereas the Amsterdam Treaty specifically states that one of the European Union’s objectives is to prevent and
combat racism and xenophobia (new Treaty Article 29);

Whereas the Treaty on European Union provides that the Council may, acting unanimously, take appropriate action
to combat discrimination based on race or ethnic origin, religion or belief (new Treaty Article 13);

Whereas the Treaty also states that the European Union shall respect fundamental rights, as guaranteed by the
European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and as they result from the
constitutional traditions common to the Member States (new Treaty Article 6);

Whereas the Committee of the Regions, as the European Union body representing the local and regional authorities,
has a key role to play in promoting European citizenship and must therefore be particularly energetic in combating
racism and xenophobia;

Whereas these local and regional authorities, being the level of government closest to the citizen, have a concrete
and irreplaceable role to play in this fight, especially in ensuring equal access to public services;

Whereas a code of conduct is set out in the Charter of European Political Parties for a non-racist society, adopted in
Utrecht on 28 February 1998;

1.
Firmly rejects any form of alliance or political cooperation with parties which make racist or xenophobic
statements at local, regional, national or European level and asks all democratic parties and all authorities at all levels
to oppose the activities of such groups and racist movements with all democratic means placed at their disposal;

(1) CdR 156/96 fin — OJ C 337, 11.11.1996, p. 63.
(2) CdR 80/97 fin — OJ C 244, 11.8.1997, p. 58.

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2.
Supports all types of venture and partnership between local, regional, national and European levels, especially
in giving equal access in areas such as education, training, housing and employment (bearing in mind the major role
played by local and regional authorities in their capacity as employer), and enabling a successful integration of the
various communities and a mutual cultural enrichment;

3.
Feels that the local and regional authorities, because of their closeness to the grassroots level, bear a special
responsibility in the face of the scourge of increasing indifference to the discrimination and exclusion of persons of a
different racial, ethnic and cultural origin;

4.
Requests the Member States and/or local and regional authorities, within their competences in this field, to
devise and encourage school curricula which promote the values of solidarity, pluralism, tolerance and acceptance of
differences and aim to foster equal opportunities; and equally to improve the education of migrant workers, based
on best practice in several local and regional authorities;

5. Welcomes the recent publication by the European Commission of the Action Plan — against Racism, which
must be regarded as a transitional measure, paving the way for legislative proposals and future action once the
Amsterdam Treaty has been ratified;

6. Welcomes the recent setting-up of the European Racism and Xenophobia Network and the adoption of a
programme of actions focusing mainly on launching campaigns to boost awareness of anti-racist policies and on
helping to link local, regional and national problems with European problems;

7.
Calls for an increase in the capacity for action of the European Monitoring Centre for Racism and Xenophobia
and the European Racism and Xenophobia Network, and equally a new cooperation between the community
institutions and the Committee of the Regions;

Calls the Member States to facilitate a speedy political integration of non-EU migrant workers being in line with
8.
the law and to eliminate all aspects leading to racism in certain national policies and/or practices in respect of
immigration and asylum; in this connection, the participation in local elections of third country nationals having
established residence is an important part of integration;

Calls upon the local and regional authorities to treat the fight against racism as a constant priority in policy

9.
making.

Graz, 9 November 1998.