Migration Policy Group

15/10/2026

🇪🇸 ⚖️ Spain has a well-developed and broad anti-discrimination framework, with stronger enforcement of protections and new initiatives related to LGBTIQ+ rights and anti-racism. At the same time, discrimination legislation remain less known and is not often applied in proceedings, and instances of discriminatory public discourse are on the rise.

👊 Learn more about the state of non-discrimination in Spain in the highlights below and download the full 2026 country report of the European Network of Legal Experts in Gender Equality and Non-Discrimination. MPG coordinates the work on the reports.

The full report is available here: https://bit.ly/47i7hU7

12/10/2026

🇳🇱 ⚖️ The Netherlands maintains a solid and overall accessible anti-discrimination framework. The country also saw recent progress in terms of disability accessibility and the recognition of intersectional discrimination. At the same time, racial and religious discrimination, low reporting rates, uneven local policies and enforcement gaps limit the effectiveness of non-discrimination protections in practice.

🎯 Learn more about the state of non-discrimination in the Netherlands in the highlights below and download the full 2026 country report of the European Network of Legal Experts in Gender Equality and Non-Discrimination. MPG coordinates the work on the reports.

Access the full report here: https://bit.ly/4s4gPeT

05/10/2026

Space for civil society is shrinking across Europe. At the same time, major policy decisions on democracy, participation, migration and social inclusion are being taken without sufficient input from those directly affected by these policies.

If you belong to a migrant- or refugee-led organisation, network or initiative - or an activist with a migrant background - we want to hear from you!

Take part in our Migrant Voices Observatory survey by the end of 1 November, Sunday, to identify your policy priorities and help ensure migrant perspectives are included in discussions about Europe's future.

[Please note this is a relaunch of our New Europeans Survey - if you responded before the previous deadline of 25 September, you don’t need to complete it again!]

EU Parliament adopts new Return Regulation. MPG warns it risks widening human rights gaps and reinforcing enforcement-driven migration policies.

30/09/2026

🇱🇻 ⚖️ Latvia offers broad anti-discrimination protections, including in terms of employment. Recent efforts have also strengthened the equality body, too. However, protection remains fragmented and uneven, with gaps felt in access to justice, the use of case law, data collection, as well as the treatment of Roma and LGBTIQ+ people.

💬 Learn more about the state of non-discrimination in Latvia in the highlights below and download the full 2026 country report of the European Network of Legal Experts in Gender Equality and Non-Discrimination. MPG coordinates the work on the reports. Read the full report on our website: https://bit.ly/4jwOb3J

18/09/2026

📣Deadline extended!📣

Last month, we launched the New Europeans Survey 2026: a call for migrant- and refugee-led organisations across Europe to share their priorities for the future of EU policy.

The deadline has now been extended to Friday 25th September. Don't miss out on the chance to tell us what the EU should do next and help us reach out to EU policymakers!

🏹

EU Parliament adopts new Return Regulation. MPG warns it risks widening human rights gaps and reinforcing enforcement-driven migration policies.

17/09/2026

As the applications for our 4th annual Democracy Academy have started to come in, we thought it's time to tell you a little more about our amazing speakers.

Meet the incredible professionals who will once more join forces to lead the annual initiative, and see why you should apply to become part of the latest cohort of graduates!

Applications are open until 27 September and the academy will take place in October and November: https://bit.ly/46jS6ZX

15/09/2026

🇫🇮 ⚖️ Finland offers extensive rights-based protections and encourages positive action by authorities, educational institutions and employers. The country also reinforced protections against racial and ethnic discrimination, and recognises the discrimination risk ushered in by AI. However, accessing justice can be constrained by high costs, limited remedies and enforcement gaps.

💬 Learn more about the state of non-discrimination in Finland in the highlights below and download the full 2026 country report of the European Network of Legal Experts in Gender Equality and Non-Discrimination. MPG coordinates the work on the reports.

🏹 Check out the full report: https://bit.ly/3USQ8gK

11/09/2026

It's rough out there! Civil society across the EU is under unprecedented pressure, and migrant communities are often on the forefront.

That's why we are so excited to open the applications for one of our most inspiring initiatives - the 4th annual Democracy Academy ❤️‍🔥 The academy, led by experienced (migrant) speakers, provides a space for training, knowledge-sharing and networking.

Emerging leaders of all migration backgrounds who are currently based in the EU and have experience in political and civic participation are all welcome to apply! By attending the academy, you will unlock access to first-hand resources and strategies to help you deal with the common issues faced civil society and migrant communities today, and join a cohort of like-minded individuals based across the EU.

☄️ Applications are open until 27 September and the academy will take place in October and November. See all the details here >>

EU Parliament adopts new Return Regulation. MPG warns it risks widening human rights gaps and reinforcing enforcement-driven migration policies.

09/09/2026

🇧🇬 ⚖️ A new report on non-discrimination is out and today's stop is Bulgaria. The country has a broad anti-discrimination framework, an accessible equality body and now stronger hate speech protections. However, case law use has been inconsistent, while school segregation and housing inequality continue to affect the Roma.

🧐 Learn more about the state of non-discrimination in Bulgaria in the highlights below and download the full 2026 country report of the European Network of Legal Experts in Gender Equality and Non-Discrimination. MPG coordinates the work on the reports. Link in the first comment below!

Check out the full report here: https://bit.ly/4yN7OJt

08/09/2026

📣🫱🏿‍🫲🏻Today, alongside 31 other organisations working on anti-racism, human rights, inclusion and education, we ask President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen to put anti-racism back on the EU's agenda.

The State of the Union address on 16 September next week is an opportunity for a clear and strong commitment to the fight against discrimination.

Sidelining racism does not make it disappear: it reinforces its effects. In fact, despite the adoption of the EU's 2020 Anti-Racism Action Plan, racism has persisted and even increased for some communities. And while an Anti-Racism Strategy was adopted at the beginning of the year, its scope has been limited.

More ambition and resources are urgently needed.

That’s why we ask for a renewed pledge from the Commission President and for a number of concrete steps to be taken. Read the whole letter here: https://bit.ly/3V0cVqO