2^nd GA 26 – 28 March 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ENAR

Activity Report

 

April 2001 to March 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepared for the 2^nd General Assembly of ENAR and presented by the ENAR Secretariat

 

Lisbon, 26 – 28 March 2004

 

 

 

Table of contents

 

                                                                                                                        Page

 

 

 

1. Introduction................................................................................ 6

1.1. Looking back....................................................................................................... 6

1.2. ENAR’s history.................................................................................................. 7

1.3. ENAR’s vision.................................................................................................... 7

1.4. ENAR’s mission and operating principles......................................................... 8

 

2. ENAR activities from April 2001 to March 2004.......................... 10

2.1. Policy activities................................................................................................. 10

2.1.1. World Conference against Racism, Durban, August/September 2001: preparation, event and follow-up........................................................................ 10

2.1.2. Transposition of the ‘Race Equality Directive’......................................... 11

2.1.3. Employment Directive (ED)...................................................................... 11

2.1.5. Citizenship of residence campaign............................................................. 12

2.1.6. Migration issues......................................................................................... 13

2.1.6.1. Family reunification............................................................................ 13

2.1.6.2. Directive on long-term residents......................................................... 13

2.1.7. Framework Decision on Racism and Xenophobia..................................... 13

2.1.8. The Convention on the Future of Europe.................................................. 14

2.1.9. Policy paper on mainstreaming.................................................................. 15

2.1.10. Meeting with the Presidencies................................................................. 15

2.1.11. Social policy............................................................................................. 15

2.1.12. Green paper on return policy.................................................................. 16

2.1.13. Discussion paper on the admission of students into the EU................... 16

2.1.14. EC regulation of the EUMC.................................................................... 16

2.1.15. Proposal on EC recruitment policies....................................................... 16

2.2. Events............................................................................................................... 17

2.2.1. Meetings and conferences organised by ENAR......................................... 17

2.2.1.1. 1^st ENAR General Assembly.............................................................. 17

2.2.1.2. Migration Conference......................................................................... 17

2.2.1.3. Citizenship Conference....................................................................... 17

2.2.1.4. Conference on the Transposition of the Race Equality Directive...... 18

2.2.1.5. Conference on Religious Discrimination............................................. 18

2.2.1.6. Preparation of 2^nd GA......................................................................... 18

2.2.2. ENAR training sessions............................................................................. 19

2.2.2.1. Training seminar on financial management.......................................... 19

2.2.2.2. Training seminar on EU institutions................................................... 19

2.2.2.3. Training seminar on lobbying.............................................................. 20

2.2.2.4. Training seminar on media relations.................................................... 20

2.2.3. ENAR press conferences and hearings...................................................... 21

2.2.3.1. Press conference accompanying the Belgian Presidency conference on migration.......................................................................................................... 21

2.2.3.2. Hearing on the transposition of the ‘Race Equality Directive’........... 21

2.2.4. Meetings with the Presidencies................................................................. 22

2.2.4.1. Work with the Danish Presidency...................................................... 22

2.2.4.2. Meeting with the Irish Presidency...................................................... 22

2.2.5. Other conferences and meetings................................................................. 22

2.2.5.1. Inter-sessional meetings and PrepComs (WCAR).............................. 22

2.2.5.2. World Conference against Racism....................................................... 23

2.2.5.3. Laeken Summit.................................................................................... 23

2.2.5.4. Informal debate on ‘civic citizenship’................................................. 23

2.2.5.5. AC NGO meetings in Hungary and Latvia......................................... 23

2.3. ENAR publications and information work....................................................... 25

2.3.1. Fact sheets................................................................................................. 25

2.3.2. Board info sheets....................................................................................... 25

2.3.3. ENAR poster on citizenship of residence................................................. 25

2.3.4. Publications................................................................................................ 26

2.3.4.1. Citizenship and voting rights for third-country nationals.................. 26

2.3.4.2. From principle to practice.................................................................. 26

2.3.4.3. Roma publication................................................................................ 26

2.3.4.5. Transposition publication................................................................... 26

2.3.4.7. Publication on racism as a crime......................................................... 27

2.3.4.8. Preparations for the publication on mainstreaming anti-racism.......... 27

2.3.4.9. Publication on employment and ethnic discrimination....................... 27

2.3.5. ENAR newsletter....................................................................................... 28

2.3.6. ENAR national and EU shadow reports.................................................... 28

2.3.7. ENAR articles in external publications and newsletters............................ 29

2.3.8. ENAR brochure and PR folder.................................................................. 29

2.3.9. ENAR database.......................................................................................... 29

2.3.10. Questionnaire for contact details of ENAR members and experts.......... 29

2.4. ENAR reports................................................................................................... 30

2.4.1. Report from 1^st General Assembly of ENAR, March 2001...................... 30

2.4.2. Shadow reports.......................................................................................... 30

2.4.3. Annual report 2001, 2002 and 2003.......................................................... 30

2.5. ENAR draft work programme 2003/2004 and 2004/2005................................ 30

2.6. ENAR partnerships in projects........................................................................ 31

2.6.1. SOLIDAR project...................................................................................... 31

2.6.2. PEER (Paths of empowerment of EU residents)....................................... 31

2.6.3. CEJI/NICEM project................................................................................. 32

2.6.4. MiraMedia monitoring project.................................................................. 32

2.7. ENAR website.................................................................................................. 32

2.8. ENAR’s media work......................................................................................... 33

2.9. Structural issues................................................................................................ 34

2.9.1. New statutes.............................................................................................. 34

2.9.2. Operating manual....................................................................................... 34

2.9.3. Information about new statuses in ENAR................................................. 34

2.9.4. Contacts with NGOs in accession countries............................................. 34

2.10. ENAR review.................................................................................................. 35

2.10.1. ENAR Review......................................................................................... 35

2.10.1.1. The ENAR Manifesto...................................................................... 35

2.10.2. Statutes.................................................................................................... 35

2.10.3. Operating manual..................................................................................... 36

2.10.4. Strategic plan for ENAR.......................................................................... 36

2.10.5. Performance management system............................................................ 36

2.11. Co-operation with other European institutions, organisations and networks 37

2.11.1. Anti-discrimination group on Article 13.................................................. 37

2.11.2. Group on migration led by UNHCR....................................................... 37

2.11.3. European Co-ordination work on the right to family life........................ 37

2.11.4. Membership of the European Platform of Social NGOs......................... 37

2.11.5. Co-operation with the European Commission........................................ 38

2.11.6. Co-operation with the EUMC................................................................. 38

2.11.7. Co-operation with other EU networks working on other grounds of discrimination....................................................................................................... 38

2.11.8. Contact with NGOs in the accession countries....................................... 39

2.11.9. Co-operation with the EP Intergroup on Racism.................................... 39

2.11.10. European Co-ordinating Committee and International Steering Group 39

 

3. The ENAR bodies and their activities........................................... 40

3.1. Board Meetings................................................................................................. 40

3.1.1. 10th Board Meeting................................................................................... 40

3.1.2. 11th Board Meeting................................................................................... 40

3.1.3. 12^th Board Meeting.................................................................................... 40

3.1.4. 13^th Board Meeting.................................................................................... 40

3.1.5. 14^th Board Meeting.................................................................................... 41

3.1.6. 15^th Board Meeting.................................................................................... 41

3.1.7. 16^th Board Meeting.................................................................................... 41

3.1.8. 17^th Board Meeting.................................................................................... 41

3.1.9. 18^th Board Meeting.................................................................................... 41

3.1.10. 19^th Board Meeting.................................................................................. 42

3.2. Annual European Assembly (AEA)................................................................. 42

3.2.1. 3^rd Annual European Assembly................................................................. 42

3.2.2. 4^th Annual European Assembly................................................................. 42

3.2.3. 5^th Annual European Assembly................................................................. 43

3.3. Bureau............................................................................................................... 43

3.3.1. 1^st Bureau meeting...................................................................................... 43

3.3.2. 2^nd Bureau meeting..................................................................................... 43

3.3.3. 3^rd Bureau meeting..................................................................................... 43

3.3.4. 4^th Bureau meeting...................................................................................... 44

3.3.5. 5^th Bureau meeting...................................................................................... 44

3.3.6. 6^th Bureau meeting...................................................................................... 44

3.3.7. 7^th Bureau meeting...................................................................................... 44

3.3.8. 8^th Bureau meeting...................................................................................... 44

3.4. Reference groups............................................................................................... 45

3.4.1. Reference group on staffing issues............................................................. 45

3.4.3. Reference group on the Roma publication................................................. 45

3.4.4. Reference group on religious discrimination.............................................. 46

3.4.5. Reference group on review (MIT)............................................................. 46

3.5. National co-ordinations of ENAR.................................................................... 46

3.6. The ENAR team in the Secretariat.................................................................... 46

Current Secretariat staff....................................................................................... 47

Former Secretariat staff........................................................................................ 47

Past and present trainees and conference assistants............................................ 47

External staff members......................................................................................... 48

3.6.10. ENAR office............................................................................................ 48

 

4. Financial issues.......................................................................... 49

4.1. Financial reports 2001/2002 and 2002/2003 of NCs and final reports to EC.. 49

4.2. External audit by independent accountant and financial inspection................. 49

4.3. Application for 2002/2003, 2003/2004 and 2004/2005.................................... 50

4.4. Contracts with NCs.......................................................................................... 51

4.5. Fundraising........................................................................................................ 51

4.5.1. Development of fundraising strategy......................................................... 51

4.5.2. Donation system to ENAR....................................................................... 51

 

5. Reflection and looking forward................................................... 52

 

Financial reports 2001 - 2003.................................................................................. 54

 

 

 

 

 

1. Introduction

 

 

1.1. Looking back

 

The working period of ENAR from April 2001 until March 2004 was marked by reflection and analysis of the ENAR network; its structure and political scope as well as the tasks and responsibilities of the various stakeholders involved in the network.

Building on this reflection and analysis, ENAR was able over this period, through a major effort, to identify and sharpen its political focus and strengthen the work performance of its Secretariat and decision-making bodies.

 

A good number of you will remember the 1^st ENAR GA in Brussels in March 2001. This event did not fully achieve its goals. A number of reasons, such as the diverging understanding of the specific role of an ENAR GA and the limited co-operation of participating delegates, just to mention two, did not allow the full potential to be attained. An extensive analysis was made and a number of recommendations were strongly considered during the preparation of the 2^nd GA.

 

In late summer 2001 the term of Board members ended. NCs held elections, which led to the election of a Bureau in November 2001. The former Chair, Sukhvinder Kaur Stubbs, based in the UK, did not stand for re-election. For the first time a Bureau consisting of a Chair (Bashy Quraishy), two Vice Chairs and a Treasurer (holders of these functions changed over the reporting period) was in place, taking its full role and responsibility in steering and leading the organisation through a crucial and intensive time of change.

 

On the basis of an understanding among the Board that ENAR would need intensive reflection and review, external evaluators supported the Board, Bureau and Secretariat over a period of about one year (2002 – 2003) in discussion and reflection upon matters related to roles and responsibilities of the ENAR bodies, sustainable funding and aims and objectives of the network. The challenges to be clarified were outlined in a ‘Manifesto’, which guided the network in its review process.

However, during this process difficult discussions and decisions had to be made by a number of people. Some staff members left the organisation, Board members resigned and were replaced by others. Let’s face reality: some of us realised that the tensions and disagreements in the network were too strong to cope with. A huge effort was required to bring ENAR back on to the right track.

 

During the reporting period a major advancement of developing, adopting and implementing the annual work programme was made. On the basis of a draft prepared by the Secretariat, the Board members and network members had the opportunity to contribute to the development of the ENAR work programme (WP). Such a detailed WP helped to clarify what, how, who and when activities needed to be carried out. The network benefited extensively from such transparent ways of working and was able to raise its political profile over the reporting period.

 

Another major step forward was the intensive debate on what the mission and vision of ENAR is and the development of a strategic plan defining ENAR’s scope and areas of work.

 

Beside all these activities, the network was able to hold a large number of events, produce publications, do lobbying and information work and recruit competent and committed staff. I can assure you that this is not a part-time job. It needed the full, and sometimes even more, attention of the staff members. Bureau members have invested extensive time to steer and lead the process. Board members have given extensive input and attention to ENAR over this period.

 

The details of the work carried out are outlined below.

 

 

1.2. ENAR’s history

 

ENAR is a network of local, regional, national and European non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working to combat racism of all kinds. Between March and September 1998 more than 600 NGOs were involved in national and European round table consultations to discuss the feasibility of such a structure. The 1998 Constitutive Conference of ENAR brought together more than 200 representatives of these organisations to draw up a common programme of action. The establishment of ENAR endorses the recognition by NGOs of the European dimension to the fight against racism. Anti-racism NGOs feel that they have a lot to gain from a network as a forum to share information and influence policies across the EU through campaigns.

 

Action to attain our goals is taken through information and lobbying/campaigning work and networking. This serves to strengthen the status of NGOs in their particular context and give added value to civil society. A common vision and understanding of how to tackle racism holds ENAR’s structure together. Creative and sustainable strategies to fight racism are discussed and specified in the context of a common work programme. The network is aware of the fact that successful work needs to be publicly visible.

 

The annual work programmes identify specific and concrete steps, activities and measures that are taken by the ENAR co-ordinations at the national level and by the Secretariat at the EU level.

 

 

1.3. ENAR’s vision

 

Europe has always been a continent of great cultural, ethnic, racial and religious diversity. ENAR believes in a world without racism and that a co-ordinated co-operation of NGOs in the fight against racism in the EU can and does make a significant contribution to the campaign to eliminate racial, ethnic and religious discrimination.

 

 

1.4. ENAR’s mission and operating principles

 

ENAR is an EU-wide network of organisations working to combat racism. We promote the cause of anti-racism of all kinds and equal treatment for ethnic minorities and non-EU nationals residing in the EU. ENAR receives co-funding from the European Commission (EC) for this work. The network has a central role to play in voicing the concerns of its members as well as in influencing decision-making based on the legal tools available or to be developed, with the aim of supporting the elimination of racial discrimination in the short, medium and long term.

 

ENAR takes a radical stand against all forms of discrimination on the basis of colour, national or ethnic origin and religion. ENAR is committed to the fight against all forms of racial discrimination and the promotion of equal treatment.

 

Our aim is to:

 

• §       Act against the exclusion in the EU of individuals based on their ethnic, cultural and religious background
• §       Promote equality of individuals with non-EU nationality and their full participation in EU society on an individual as well as a collective level
• §       Eliminate discriminatory practices in EU immigration policy
• §       Stand up for cultural, ethnic, racial and religious diversity
• §       Lobby EU institutions to achieve the aforementioned goals

 

ENAR’s operating principles are:

 

a.     Inclusive: bringing together organisations of victims of racism, and human rights, anti-racist and migrants’ organisations.

b.     Pluralistic: working with and supporting a wide range of organisations, including: grassroots organisations, NGOs, welfare organisations, churches, trade unions, migrants’ organisations and other established organisations.

c.     Programme-oriented: developing and carrying out lobbying and campaign work on the European level and/or supporting campaigns of other networks.

d.     Democratic: working with all organisations which adhere to (part of) the programme.

e.     Product oriented: organising the work in a professional way by producing tangible products and results, which are regularly reviewed.

f.      Focused: concentrating on a limited number of activities (in relation also to the available budget).

g.     Flexible: responding adequately to new challenges and the changing needs of the associated organisations.

h.     Transparent: reporting regularly to the associated organisations and the European Parliament (EP) and European Commission.

i.      Structured: establishing a light structure to implement the adopted programme of action and to guarantee continuous co-operation, while maintaining the autonomy of the associated organisations.

j.      European: linking local/national initiatives with initiatives (to be) taken on the EU level, while remaining open to co-operation with anti-racist organisations from countries which are not EU Member States and with the Council of Europe.

 

Of vital importance for the network is the involvement of groups which represent minorities, migrants and victims of racism.

 

 




 

2. ENAR activities from April 2001 to March 2004

 

 

2.1. Policy activities

 

 

2.1.1. World Conference against Racism, Durban, August/September 2001: preparation, event and follow-up

 

The UN announced the third decade of the fight against racism and declared 2001 as the International Year of Mobilisation against Racism. A World Conference against Racism (WCAR) was convened in South Africa in August/September 2001. The Annual European Meeting (AEM) decided in October 2000 to dedicate a part of the work programme to the WCAR.

 

In 2001, the regions went through a democratic process to elect Regional Co-ordinating Committees to support the South African secretariat (Sangoco) in their work on the NGO Forum. ENAR facilitated the election process right from the beginning and was elected to be one of 12 European NGOs serving on the European Co-ordinating Committee (ECC). Based on its involvement in the ECC, ENAR was elected to represent the Western European NGOs in the International Steering Committee (ISC), which was a group of 20 NGOs worldwide.

 

During the WCAR preparation process held in Geneva in March, May and August 2001 (two Inter-sessional meetings and three PrepComs, ENAR was actively lobbying governments for a comprehensive and concrete approach to be reflected in the governmental declaration and the plan of action. A specific focus was made on topics like NGO consultation in measures against racism, National Action Plans (NAPs) as a concrete outcome of the WCAR and a migration and asylum policy free of discriminatory aspects. During the 2^nd and 3^rd PrepComs, ENAR was actively involved in the Pan-European Caucus. This Caucus, which was launched by an initiative of ENAR during the 2^nd PrepCom, was concentrated on proposing guidelines for governmental National Action Plans. During the 3^rd PrepCom, we continued to work on improving these guidelines and on proposing language for the Draft Declaration and Programme of Action, which were negotiated in two separate working groups by the governments. The idea of National Action Plans was introduced in the Programme of Action and some improvements were made on migration issues.

 

Based on the position paper produced for the regional conference and including discussions held in board meetings, an updated version was prepared for the WCAR. The position paper formed the foundation for lobbying in the preparation process of the WCAR and at the NGO and governmental events in Durban. This document was distributed in three languages in July 2001.

 

An elaboration of ENAR activities at the WCAR can be found under 2.2.5.

 

Based on the prioritisation of policy topics during the 3^rd Annual European Assembly (AEA), it was agreed that the follow up of the WCAR would be considered as a low priority. Since then, the Secretariat has sporadically collected information concerning the development of NAPs as the follow-up to Durban. This information was disseminated and exchanged on a request basis to provide member organisations involved in this process with information and examples of good practice from other countries. The Director attended a Durban follow-up seminar of experts in the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) region, with the primary aim of establishing contacts with accession country NGOs. However, the debate on the follow-up to Durban was most stimulating and has shown that a number of countries are working on this issue. In December 2003, the Director contributed to an experts’ seminar for the Western European region on the development of NAPs, where she put forward a number of pragmatic recommendations.

 

 

2.1.2. Transposition of the ‘Race Equality Directive’

 

The Race Equality Directive (RD) formed one of the central policy activities in 2002 and the first half of 2003. Developments were closely monitored by the Secretariat.

 

In 2002, through the use of parliamentary questions, ENAR focused on collecting all relevant information on the transposition. The responses were summarised by the Secretariat and made available upon request. They were also used in the preparation process for the Berlin Conference on the Transposition of the Race Directive, which was held in January 2003 (see section 2.2.10).

 

The Secretariat met with a number of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to develop a strategy with regard to activities on the Transposition Day for the RD, which led to the Hearing and press conference outlined below (see 2.2.12).

In 2003, ENAR carried out an analysis of where the transposition processes stand in Spain, Greece and Italy (see ENARgy no. 4 and 5).

 

The Secretariat regularly denounced the weak political will of governments to transpose the RD at a large number of public and informal meetings and conferences. Permanent information work was done through the website and other means to keep the attention and importance of this instrument high on the policy agenda.

 

Even though a number of countries have transposed the RD, others have not done so. ENAR’s work in this respect is not yet finished. We should not rest until all countries have transposed the RD in all its aspects.

 

 

2.1.3. Employment Directive (ED)

ENAR is a member of the Social Platform and is closely involved in its anti-discrimination working party, which allows all Art. 13 networks to exchange information on common issues of concern and to adapt and harmonise their strategies. The network exchanged information on the stage of transposition of the ED and discussed the possibility of having a joint event to mark the deadline for the transposition of this Directive, which will take place in 2004.

 

As outlined in the work programme 2003/2004, the work on religious discrimination was closely linked to work on the ED. For further explanation, please see below under heading Religious discrimination (see 2.1.4.) and Conference on Religious Discrimination (see 2.2.1.5.)

 

2.1.4. Religious discrimination

 

A publication on religious discrimination was finalised in March 2003 and was disseminated to the members of the network in EN, FR and DE. During the 17^th Board meeting in May 2003, a discussion was organised, with input from Pandeli Glavanis, aiming to identify the overlaps of ethnic and religious communities as well as the distinction between religious freedom and religious discrimination. The following intensive and lengthy internal debate strongly contributed to the focused and constructive discussions during the Conference on Religious Discrimination in October 2003 (see 2.2.1.5.) and a number of aspects found consensus in the network. The work on religious discrimination will be continued, since the development of the general policy paper and the lobbying paper on the ED has only just started in February 2004.

 

 

2.1.5. Citizenship of residence campaign

 

In 2002 and 2003, ENAR further promoted its citizenship campaign. This was done through co-operation with other NGO networks (e.g. European Citizen Action Service (ECAS) and the Social Platform) and by presentations at international conferences and other events.

 

Given that citizenship was on the agenda of the Convention on the Future of Europe, the point on citizenship of residence was included in the lobbying paper addressed to Convention members. The petition and the Madrid appeal was co-ordinated by Paul Oriol, a strong supporter of this campaign. He presented the issues to the plenary session of the Convention on the Future of Europe meeting dedicated to civil society (24-25 June 2002) and succeeded in giving an informal personal briefing on the Citizenship Campaign to the Convention President, Mr. Valéry Giscard d’Estaing.

 

A joint press conference with ECAS on the citizenship of residence campaign was held on 27 February 2003 in Brussels.

 

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) asked Paul Oriol to serve as an expert on citizenship of residence. On 21 January 2003, the EESC decided to draw up an opinion on Access to European Union Citizenship. It was adopted at its 399^th plenary session of 14 and 15 May 2003.

 

Unfortunately, as it was felt that the campaign lacked sufficient support from the national co-ordinations (NCs), it was agreed at the 17^th Board meeting to conclude the campaign and to include the topic in the ENAR work programme as a regular policy topic related to access to rights for third-country nationals.

 

 

 

2.1.6. Migration issues

 

The Secretariat monitored the evolution of the different Directive proposals on migration issues. Of particular interest was the Communication on Migration and Integration, which was written jointly by the Justice and Home Affairs and Employment and Social Affairs Directorates-General (DGs) beside the two instruments outlined below.

 

 

2.1.6.1. Family reunification

 

The ENAR position paper on family reunion, which was drafted by the Director in close collaboration with two Board Members, Isabelle Carles-Berkowitz and Luciano Scagliotti, was finalised in 2002 and placed on the website. The Secretariat continued to monitor closely any developments or changes to the initial Commission proposal. Unfortunately no lobbying could be done with the document since negotiations in the Council were unpredictable and rather closed.

 

The Director attended a meeting of the European Co-ordination on the right to family life held on 28 February 2003 in Paris. An update was given about the developments of the Directive. After the abrupt adoption of this Directive the Co-ordination started a campaign to urge the EP to request the annulment of the Directive on Family Reunification for Third-country Nationals. This procedure is currently ongoing.

 

 

2.1.6.2. Directive on long-term residents

 

Given the lack of political will of the Council to further develop the draft Directive, ENAR did not focus on this topic for a while. However, the developments were monitored from time to time and political agreement in the Council was reached in late 2003. The final text has been made public recently and information work was carried out through the newsletter in early 2004.

 

 

2.1.7. Framework Decision on Racism and Xenophobia

 

Following the Draft Framework Decision on Racism and Xenophobia that was published in July 2002, ENAR worked intensively - in co-operation with Brussels-based member organisations - to get the NGO perspective heard. It presented a position paper and had regular meetings with MEPs to explain its views and to prepare together the amendments for the report of the Parliament.

 

In co-operation with Ozan Ceyhun, MEP, who was the EP rapporteur on this legal instrument, an informal hearing was organised with member organisations of ENAR to present our point of view. However, only a limited number of our aspects were considered since the rapporteur tried to achieve a consensus in the EP.

 

The Secretariat continued to monitor closely any changes to the proposal for a Council Framework Decision on Combating Racism and Xenophobia. Information was gathered by consulting the Council/Parliament and Commission website and through informal communication with representatives of these institutions.

 

At a meeting with Ms Galego-Cassilda, the representative of the Commission to the Council on this proposal, she confirmed that the Commission was still very much pushing for the instrument to go through but could not give any indication as to when the document would be adopted because of the general reservation of Italy. Finally, it appears that there is no political will on the part of the Council to continue working on this proposal. Given the inclusion of the prevention of racism and xenophobia (e.g. Art. 29) in the Draft Constitution, new instruments might be possible after adoption of the Constitution to follow up this aspect, which is considered as central by ENAR.

Information work was undertaken on a regular basis in the newsletter and the Board debated the approach of ENAR towards the developments of this tool at a board meeting.

 

The network tried in late 2003 and early 2004 to bring the framework decision back on the agenda of the Presidencies and the EC. Proactive action is currently prepared and limited success is visible since representatives of the EC have recently called upon the Council to reopen the negotiations on this instrument.

 

 

2.1.8. The Convention on the Future of Europe

 

Ever since the launch of the Convention on the Future of Europe in February 2002, ENAR has been dedicated to ensure that our concerns were duly reflected.

 

The Secretariat monitored developments and lobbied the relevant Convention members by making appointments, drafting a number of contributions and making regular phone calls to receive latest updates on the drafting and negotiation process.

 

It worked closely with ECAS with regard to our demands concerning citizenship and contributed to the Social Platform’s policy documents on the Convention.

 

The Secretariat also worked closely together with the other NGO networks campaigning against discrimination and produced a joint policy statement and a joint press release on matters relating to Article 13. The Secretariat also collaborated in a joint Disability, Older People, Lesbian and Gay and Racism Intergroup meeting in Strasbourg, specifically looking at the implications of the Convention for Article 13.

 

During the last months of the Convention, ENAR lobbied intensively to make sure that the acquis communautaire on the anti-discrimination and anti-racism policy of the EU would not be lost. Finally, ENAR have been able to realise some key achievements, both on racist and xenophobic crime (e.g. Art. 29) and on equality issues in the values of the Draft Constitution. We managed at the very last moment to turn the tide on these crucial issues to make sure that in the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) we would fight for “keeping the agreement unchanged” and not for “re-including issues that had to be dropped during the Convention”. In September 2003, before the IGC started, the Secretariat produced a fact sheet on general aspects related to the IGC, in order to provide Board members with all the necessary information to enable them to participate in the debate on the Draft Constitution at national level and to lobby the national decision-makers. Further information work was carried out through the newsletter.

 

 

2.1.9. Policy paper on mainstreaming

 

A debate on mainstreaming anti-racism issues in other EU policies was planned during the 17^th Board meeting (May 2003). Unfortunately, because of time constraints no substantive input was made on this issue. This topic was tabled again at the 19^th Board meeting. A constructive debate was held and it was agreed that an ENAR Framework Paper would be developed to steer the network in the context of mainstreaming anti-racism issues in other policy areas.

 

 

2.1.10. Meeting with the Presidencies

 

The ENAR Secretariat contacted the permanent representation of Greece based in Brussels with the intention of holding a meeting about the Presidency priorities in early 2003. The permanent representation did not follow up on the request.

 

With the support and presence of the National Co-ordination of Ireland, the Director and the Vice Chair, Luciano Scagliotti, had the opportunity to meet representatives of the Irish ministry working on the transposition of the Race Equality and Employment Directives in October 2003. The ministry will be in charge of issues related to anti-discrimination under the upcoming Irish Presidency. The meeting focused on the transposition of the RD in Ireland and the request for the Irish government to continue working on the Framework Decision on Racism and Xenophobia as well as the draft regulation for the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia (EUMC) and the follow-up to the WCAR.

 

On 12 January 2004 the Irish Co-ordination held a meeting with representatives of the Irish Presidency (Ministry of Justice and Law Reform). About 60 people attended this meeting in Dublin. The Director of ENAR and Anastasia Crickley, former Board member for Ireland, both spoke on the panel. Anastasia introduced issues related to former Presidencies concerning racism and social inclusion. Vera formulated the dissatisfaction of ENAR concerning the decreasing importance of anti-racism on the EU agenda and she requested that the Presidency keep this topic high on the agenda. This would mean working on the Framework Decision on Racism and Xenophobia, the transposition of the Race Equality Directive and clarifying the new scope of the EUMC.

 

 

2.1.11. Social policy

 

In March 2003 the EC held a meeting to assess the social policy agenda (mid-term review). This meeting was thoroughly prepared within the Social Platform with the contribution of the ENAR Secretariat. The Secretariat and two Board members (Bashy Quraishy and Marcel Etienne) attended the Conference organised by the Commission to consult civil society on this matter. ENAR was well represented both on the panels of the Conference and through the opportunities for raising questions.

The Secretariat also monitored other policy developments in the social policy sector through its participation at the Social Platform meetings. Particular attention was also paid to the announced Communication on Migration and Integration.

 

 

2.1.12. Green paper on return policy

 

In the context of the Tampere Conclusions, the EC worked on several documents concerning migration and the return of migrants residing illegally in the territory of the EU. ENAR’s position paper focused on equal treatment and respect towards need of other groups in the area of return policies. ENAR presented it at the public hearing on return policy on 16 July 2002 in Brussels. The position paper was later further elaborated and sent to the EC DG Justice and Home Affairs for their consideration.

 

 

2.1.13. Discussion paper on the admission of students into the EU

 

In 2002, ENAR worked on a commentary on the EC discussion paper on the admission of students into the EU. The process should lead to a draft Directive on the entry of students into the EU.

 

 

2.1.14. EC regulation of the EUMC

 

During spring 2003 the EC published the evaluation report for the EUMC. In this context a group of people from the ENAR network attended an informal meeting with Barbara Nolan to give feedback on suggestions concerning the restructuring of the EUMC. In October 2002 the European Economic and Social Committee held a public hearing on the possible changes to the regulation of the EUMC. ENAR was approached to support the organisers with contact details of persons with NGO background and experience in the work of the EUMC. During the hearing ENAR presented its opinion on the draft changes made by the EC based on a paper produced by the Secretariat. The paper was widely disseminated to interested people throughout Europe. A decision in December to widen the scope of the EUMC to include human rights led the network to disseminate an open letter in February 2004, denouncing the unsatisfactory treatment and attention concerning anti-racism on the EU agenda.

 

 

2.1.15. Proposal on EC recruitment policies

 

Since the Ombudsman of the EU has taken up several cases of ethnic discrimination in the recruitment of the European Commission, the EC announced that it had plans to implement an action plan on recruitment issues. ENAR informed the EC that it would be interested in being involved in the developments of such an action plan.

2.2. Events

 

2.2.1. Meetings and conferences organised by ENAR

 

 

2.2.1.1. 1^st ENAR General Assembly

 

 

ENAR’s first General Assembly was a sizeable event where 220 delegates from all the national and European structures gathered to discuss the ENAR work plan for the next three years. The delegates discussed the following themes in workshops:

 

1.     Legal protection against racism: the implementation of Article 13 of the EC Treaty

2.     Immigration and asylum policies: policy and legislation on citizenship

3.     World Conference Against Racism, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance

4.     Strengthening national structures

5.     Statutes of ENAR

 

 

However, it was felt that the event was not fully meeting its objective since delegates showed a low level of commitment and the overall aim of the GA was not clarified beforehand. On the basis of this experience changes for the 2^nd GA were discussed (size, preparation, etc…).

 

 

2.2.1.2. Migration Conference

 

The migration conference, ‘A common EU immigration policy – dream or reality’, covered various aspects of EU immigration policy as well as the impact of 11 September 2001 on EU immigration policies. In workshops NGO representatives worked on input for ENAR position papers on specific legal initiatives, such as admission policies, long-term residents and undocumented persons. The speakers’ contributions were posted on the ENAR website after the event.

 

For the preparation of the Conference, the Secretariat had support from an external consultant, Michaela Told, who developed the concept and programme of the conference.

 

The invitation to the conference elicited strong feedback from people all over Europe, from within ENAR and outside it. On 1-2 February 2002, we welcomed about 135 people to the conference, including participants from permanent representations and colleagues from other networks working on migration.

 

 

2.2.1.3. Citizenship Conference

 

The citizenship conference, ‘Imagining a multicultural model of citizenship for the EU’, was held on 31 May and 1 June 2002 in Madrid. The programme covered a comparison of the different regimes of citizenship in various EU countries, connections between citizenship and employment and the principles of a citizenship based on residence instead of nationality. Two workshops were held on the ‘Convention on the Future of Europe’ and the ‘ENAR campaign on citizenship’. The workshops aimed to focus future ENAR work related to both issues. About 80 people, including speakers and facilitators, were present at the conference.

 

Tasks concerning logistics were partially shared with the Spanish Co-ordination via a contract but this did not run as smoothly as expected.

 

 

2.2.1.4. Conference on the Transposition of the Race Equality Directive

 

The topic of the conference was most timely, since the deadline for the RD transposition was fast approaching. The meeting aimed to draw the attention of NGOs in Europe to the deadline for the Race Equality Directive and to encourage NGOs working in this field to communicate with their respective governments concerning the transposition. During panels and workshops the details of the Directive were introduced and discussed. A part of the debates focused on possible lobbying strategies for national NGOs.

ENAR members and non-members attended and appreciated the detailed input and opportunity to discuss strategies for the network and individual NGOs. Positive feedback was received from the EC. About 160 people attended.

A press conference was held to tackle the press on this issue.

 

 

2.2.1.5. Conference on Religious Discrimination

 

On the first day the programme focused on issues closely related to religious discrimination and employment, to form the basis for specific discussions on the next day in carefully chosen workshops. These covered issues connected to religious discrimination outside the labour market and in the afternoon very specific issues related to employment. The panel discussion and the workshop debates were very productive, focused and constructive and provided some input for the general policy paper. About 65 people attended the public part and 40 people attended the day of workshops open to member organisations.

 

A session at the 18^th and 19^th Board meetings, following the conference, discussed a number of principles extracted from the recommendations of the conference.

 

The Secretariat had support from an external assistant, who started the preparation of the conference in July 2003. Eva Berghmans was chosen as external conference assistant, since she had experience of organising conferences, covered all language requirements and had experience in the field of religious discrimination.

 

 

2.2.1.6. Preparation of 2^nd GA

 

The preparation of ENAR’s 2^nd General Assembly (GA), to be held in Lisbon from 26 to 28 March 2004, started in the winter of 2002-2003. Draft documents such as the statutes, the operating manual and the strategic plan were prepared by the Director, the Bureau and the Board. Direct input from the member organisations was received through a general consultation process in late 2003 and early 2004.

 

Given the central nature of this event and the partially negative experience at the 1^st GA, a high level of attention was given to the preparation. In December 2003, two external assistants were contracted to help finalise the preparation for this large event.

 

ENAR Conferences at a glance
1st GA	Brussels	30-31 March-1 April 2001
ENAR Migration Conference	Brussels	1-2 February 2002
ENAR Citizenship Conference	Madrid	31 May-1 June 2002
Conference on Transposition of RD	Berlin	30-31 January 2003
Conference on religious discrimination	Soesterberg,	24-25 October 2003
2nd GA	Lisbon	26-28 March 2004

 

 

 

2.2.2. ENAR training sessions

 

 

2.2.2.1. Training seminar on financial management

 

During the months of July and August 2002, the Secretariat prepared the training seminar on financial management. The participants received comprehensive material beforehand and during several sessions of the seminar they gained an overview of the financial rules and regulations of the Commission, an introduction to the application process and an overview of the timeline concerning financial matters in ENAR. Later the participants had the opportunity to learn from the practical perspective about how a financial report should be compiled and how the final report of the co-ordinations as well as the final report of ENAR for the Commission has to be produced. Participants confirmed that they found the seminar very helpful and they agreed to make the information they had received available to other people in their co-ordinations. All the material handed out was placed on the website and is referred to when new substitutes join the network for their information.

 

 

2.2.2.2. Training seminar on EU institutions

 

The training seminar on EU institutions was held on 14-15 March 2003 in Brussels. It aimed to enable co-ordinations to understand the structure of the EU better and to enhance their involvement in the upcoming work planned by the network. The seminar included an introduction to the legal basis of the European Union as well as the legal tools used. The seminar furthermore outlined the scope and remit of the various EU bodies, such as the Commission, the Parliament and the Council. The first day was devoted to an introduction to the history of the EU and which legal tools are available for defining and shaping EU policies. The second day was a role-play exercise introducing the EU institutions in a humorous and light-hearted way.

 

Representatives of almost all the ENAR co-ordinations were present. Participants enjoyed the method of presentation and strongly supported the interactive learning process. The feedback from the participants was very positive and people felt they had learnt a lot. Some participants announced they would be interested in holding this type of seminar for their co-ordinations in order to improve the knowledge of their member organisations.

 

This event was prepared by the external assistant, Frederik Lottje, a former trainee who proved during his traineeship that he has all the skills to be capable of organising such an event.

 

 

2.2.2.3. Training seminar on lobbying

 

This seminar was held in Montecatini on 5 July 2003. Representatives of almost all the ENAR co-ordinations were present. Some NCs attended, with several people covering the additional costs themselves. The first part of the day was devoted to an introduction to the basic rules of lobbying. The second part of the day was a role-play exercise on how to lobby a decision-maker. The feedback from the participants was very positive. Some participants announced they would pass the information and the expertise gained on to the members of their co-ordinations.

 

 

2.2.2.4. Training seminar on media relations

 

The seminar was held on 27-28 February 2004 in Brussels

 

Introduction and aim of the seminar

The press, radio and television offer enormous opportunities to convey messages to the right audience in order to influence policy. The media has a very powerful role in forming people’s attitudes and perceptions and consequently has an impact on the functioning of democracy.

 

The possibilities of media relations are endless. The media can be used to raise awareness of an issue, launch a product or service, develop and improve an organisation’s profile, shape public opinion, reach key opinion formers, introduce people to new ideas and highlight individual or corporate philanthropy efforts. In some cases, the media could also play the role of a barometer of public opinion.

 

The challenge and the difficulty in conducting media relations is to convince reporters, who are overwhelmed by information, that your story is relevant to the issue concerned, newsworthy and would provide a different perspective to the topic discussed. This is the reason why organisations need to develop appropriate communication strategies to maximise their chances of getting their stories published.

 

This seminar intended to respond to essential questions on why and how to conduct media relations as well as improving communication skills of NCs and member organisations of NCs.

 

The training seminar mainly focused on how to develop media strategies, how to enhance visibility of NC activities and how to get their message across. It provided useful guidelines and recommendations on presswork such as media tools, techniques in delivering messages, etc.

 

Outcome of the seminar

Ten NCs were represented at the seminar through various organisations. Participants were taught how to develop the tools that would help them reach out to the media, such as press releases, interviews and press conferences.

The seminar enhanced participants’ knowledge of the media world, of who the media is and how they work, as well as their communication skills. They also developed an expertise on media relations and were provided with practical instruments and guidance on how to conduct media relations.

 

They were provided with media communication guidelines material.

 

 

 

ENAR training seminars at a glance
ENAR training seminar on financial management	Luxembourg	13-14 September 2002
Training seminar on EU institutions	Brussels	14-15 March 2003
Training seminar on lobbying	Montecatini, Italy	5 July 2003
Training seminar on media relations	Brussels	27-28 February 2004

 

 

 

2.2.3. ENAR press conferences and hearings

 

 

2.2.3.1. Press conference accompanying the Belgian Presidency conference on migration

 

An ENAR delegation composed of five people attended the conference on migration organised by the Belgian Presidency in December 2001. After the conference, the three NGOs who were present were invited by the King Baudouin Foundation to take part in a press conference and to give their opinion on the conference. ENAR prepared a press release and an information pack.

 

 

 

2.2.3.2. Hearing on the transposition of the ‘Race Equality Directive’

 

ENAR prepared a press conference and a hearing on the Transposition of the Race Directive in the European Parliament with strong support from Claude Moraes MEP. This hearing took place on 8 July 2003 in the European Parliament and was targeted at MEPs, representatives of permanent representations of EU Member States in the EU and European NGOs working on anti-discrimination, to mark the deadline for the transposition of the RD. We were able to involve 4 MEPs, a representative of the relevant Belgian Ministry and a representative of the relevant Hungarian Ministry to speak at this event. The hearing attracted over 60 people, including both NGOs and politicians. It was an excellent opportunity to reflect on the stage of transposition and to “name and shame” the wrongdoers. It was also a good opportunity to network, considering the large number of participants. The event was well received by the Commission and the wider NGO community. This hearing was an additional activity not listed in the WP 2003/2004 and no budget was dedicated to the event.

 

 

ENAR press conferences & hearings at a glance
Press conference	Brussels	December 2001
Hearing on Transposition of RD	Brussels	8 July 2003

 

 

 

2.2.4. Meetings with the Presidencies

 

 

2.2.4.1. Work with the Danish Presidency

 

The Danish Minister for Integration, Bertl Haarder, received an ENAR delegation on 22 May 2002 in Copenhagen. The Chair, the Director and a member of the Danish Co-ordination attended the meeting. The aim of the meeting was to identify ENAR priorities on the agenda of the Danish Presidency. Even though the meeting was perceived as difficult, the follow-up was quite constructive and a regular communication with the office of the Minister of Integration was established.

 

 

2.2.4.2. Meeting with the Irish Presidency

 

Since the Greek and Italian Presidencies did not offer the opportunity to meet them during their terms in office, the Secretariat endeavoured to approach the Irish Presidency before its term started, in September 2003. The feedback was positive and a very constructive meeting was held with the participation of national NGO representatives and a member of the Bureau on 29 September 2003 in Dublin. Besides a debate on the transposition of the RD, the representative of the Irish Ministry of Justice, Equality and Law reform outlined that the Irish Presidency has no intention to table the Framework Decision on Racism and Xenophobia during its term. The follow-up to Durban and the EUMC were also subjects of discussion. An agreement was made to hold a meeting with national NGOs and the ministry on the Presidency priorities in January 2004.

 

Meetings with presidencies at a glance
Meeting with Danish representative	Copenhagen	22 May 2002
Meeting with Irish representatives	Dublin	29 September 2003 and 12 January 2004

 

 

 

2.2.5. Other conferences and meetings

 

 

2.2.5.1. Inter-sessional meetings and PrepComs (WCAR)

 

During both inter-sessional meetings and the PrepComs the representatives of ENAR attended various meetings of the European Co-ordinating Committee and the International Steering Committee in order to contribute to the preparation of the NGO Forum and to the drafting of the NGO Declaration. This work took extensive attention and time of the Secretariat.

 

 

2.2.5.2. World Conference against Racism

 

During this challenging conference, ENAR representatives participated actively in the meetings of the ISC, the NGO caucus on migration and NGO briefings. ENAR supported the Drafting Committee in the drafting work leading to the NGO Declaration and took the initiative to persuade the Pan-European Caucus to focus on comprehensive and concrete NAPs. A good number of NGOs from all over Europe joined the group and participated in the drafting of NAPs in a most constructive way.

 

In co-operation with the European Platform of Social NGOs, ENAR held a seminar during the NGO Forum in Durban. The aim of the seminar was to introduce the developments in the field of anti-discrimination work in the EU to other regions in the world. ENAR organised an info stand during the NGO Forum and publications, freebies (caps, T-shirts, badges, etc.) and various materials were displayed in order to inform the participants of the NGO Forum about ENAR’s work. The overall analysis of the process was rather negative.

 

 

2.2.5.3. Laeken Summit

 

On 14 December 2001, within the framework of an NGO Forum organised in parallel to the Laeken Summit, ENAR took part in the preparation of a workshop on anti-discrimination, along with various organisations which are members of the Social Platform. Approximately 100 people attended the workshop. ENAR presented its concerns and facilitated one of the sub working groups. ENAR material was displayed.

 

 

2.2.5.4. Informal debate on ‘civic citizenship’

 

Through an informal contact with the Bertelsmann Foundation, the idea was created to hold a small brainstorming meeting on 14 November 2003 to discuss issues around ‘civic citizenship’. Some ENAR representatives as well as a representative from the EC and a researcher attended. The discussion was very helpful in clarifying ENAR’s possible position for further similar meetings.

 

 

2.2.5.5. AC NGO meetings in Hungary and Latvia

 

The objective of these meetings was to establish a first informal contact with accession country (AC) NGOs, to exchange views on the issue of racism and xenophobia, to present ENAR’s work in this field and to develop new relationships with members of NGOs in accession countries. National NGOs had offered support in preparing the meetings and in identifying other organisations based in the respective countries.

 

 

Other meetings and conferences
Inter-sessional meeting of governmental delegates for the preparation of the WCAR	Geneva	7-11 May 2001
2nd PrepCom for the WCAR	Geneva	21 May-1 June 2001
3rd PrepCom for the WCAR	Geneva	29 July-10 August 2001
WCAR	Durban	28 August-8 September 2001
Laeken Summit	Brussels	14 December 2001
Informal brainstorming meeting on ‘civic citizenship’	Brussels	14 November 2003
AC NGO meeting	Hungary	18 February 2004
AC NGO meeting	Latvia	10 March 2004

 

 

The above listings constitute only a small selection of central events held or attended by ENAR. The Secretariat and Board members participated at a large number of meetings over the reporting period. The lists of these events were disseminated on a monthly basis to the Board members and substitutes. Please do not hesitate to request these lists from the Secretariat.

 

 

 

 




 

2.3. ENAR publications and information work

 

2.3.1. Fact sheets

 

The following fact sheets were sent to the NCs for further distribution among the member organisations. They were also posted on ENAR’s website.

 

 

 

1. 1.     Information on the preparation process for the WCAR, 2nd part, (no. 11), June 2001
2. 2.     Action undertaken by the EU after 11 September (no. 12), October 2001
3. 3.     Implementation of the Race Directive (no. 13), December 2001

4.     ENAR work programme 2002 (no. 14), April 2002

5. 5.     Danish Presidency priorities (no. 15), October 2002
6. 6.     Specialised bodies responsible in EU Member States for the promotion of equal treatment of all persons without discrimination on the grounds of racial or ethnic origin (no. 16), November 2002
7. 7.     Framework Decision on Combating Racism and Xenophobia (no. 17), March 2003
8. 8.     About the IGC process (no. 18), October 2003

 

2.3.2. Board info sheets

 

The Secretariat provided the Board with information on the following topics:

 

 

1. 1.     ENAR Publications in 2001 (no. 9)
2. 2.     Closing of national/EU co-ordination budgets 2000/2001 (no. 10)
3. 3.     Explanation of reimbursements of travel costs to ENAR BM and substitutes (no. 11)
4. 4.     Explanation of financial reports for budget period July 2001 – April 2002 (no. 12)
5. 5.     Budget May 2002 – April 2003 (no. 13)
6. 6.     Closure 2001 – 2002 budgets (no. 14)
7. 7.     Budget May 2002 – April 2003 further details (no. 15)
8. 8.     Reimbursement July 2001 – April 2002 (no. 16)
9. 9.     Excel table for financial report 2002/2003 (no. 17)
10. 10.  Introduction for shadow reports 2002 (no. 18)

 

 

2.3.3. ENAR poster on citizenship of residence

 

The ENAR poster on Citizenship of residence was widely disseminated within the network in late 2001 and regularly used as display material when ENAR staff attended public meetings.

 

 

2.3.4. Publications

 

2.3.4.1. Citizenship and voting rights for third-country nationals

 

This publication covers the situation of third-country nationals in the EU and the obstacles they are faced with in becoming full members of society. A specific focus is placed on the aspect of citizenship and the campaign for voting rights for third-country nationals in France. The publication was launched at the board meeting in Lisbon in September 2001.

 

 

2.3.4.2. From principle to practice

 

This publication was finalised in March 2002. It gives an introduction to anti-discrimination legislation in five countries of the EU, providing an opportunity to learn from existing practice in the context of the transposition of the Race Equality Directive. A large number of copies have been disseminated.

 

 

2.3.4.3. Roma publication

 

The publication was finalised in September 2002. It covers the situation of Roma with regard to housing, employment, education, etc. in various countries of the EU, including Finland, Belgium and Ireland. Among the NGOs and public institutions this publication was felt to be a very good information source. The production of the text where Board Members intended to contribute to the content was unfortunately extensively delayed. The task to write the publication was then given to an expert.

 

 

2.3.4.5. Transposition publication

 

This document, which was finalised in October 2002, provides detailed information and material concerning the specific provisions included in the Race Directive. The publication proved to be an ideal resource for participants preparing themselves for the conference on the transposition of the Race Directive in January 2003 in Berlin.

 

 

2.3.4.6. Publication on religious discrimination

 

Given the sensitiveness of the subject, ENAR was unfortunately not able to work on this publication in 2002 as originally planned but started to work on the text in co-operation with an external author in early 2003. A reference group from amongst the Board members was formed to support the production of this publication. Some member organisations outlined the sensitiveness of a number of chapters in the draft text and on this basis the decision was made to raise questions in the publication rather than making statements. After layout and printing the publication was disseminated in the network in spring 2003.

The publication focuses on discrimination on the basis of religion and belief and structural aspects of such discrimination. It also covers concrete examples of discrimination in the areas of education and the work place.

 

 

2.3.4.7. Publication on racism as a crime

 

The purpose of this publication is to raise awareness and develop knowledge about racism in the context of criminal matters and the proposal for a Council Framework Decision on Combating Racism and Xenophobia, as well as other international tools covering this subject. Besides explaining the legal characteristics of these instruments, the publication also describes the existing criminal legislation for combating racism and xenophobia in the EU Member States. The EN version was presented at the 18^th Board meeting and the DE and FR versions followed soon afterwards.

 

 

2.3.4.8. Preparations for the publication on mainstreaming anti-racism

 

A concept was drafted in October 2003. The Secretariat identified potential authors in December 2003 and signed a contract with a researcher from the UK in January 2004. The draft text is expected in April in order to finalise the publication in summer 2004.

 

 

2.3.4.9. Publication on employment and ethnic discrimination

 

A concept was drafted in September 2003. The Secretariat identified potential authors in February 2004. The draft text is expected in early summer in order to be able to finalise the production of the publication in summer 2004.

 

 

All ENAR publications are published in English, German and French. They were sent out to all associated groups of the network and, on request, to any interested individuals or organisations free of charge. All publications are also made available on the ENAR website. The material was also distributed at meetings and conferences where ENAR members participated.

 

 

Publications	Date
Citizenship and voting rights for third-country nationals	September 2001
From principle to practice	March 2002
Roma publication	September 2002
Transposition publication	October 2002
Religious discrimination	Spring 2003
Racism as a crime	October 2003
Mainstreaming anti-racism	Not yet completed
Employment and ethnic discrimination	Not yet completed

 

 

2.3.5. ENAR newsletter

 

To date, 6 editions of the ENAR newsletter, ENARgy, have been issued:

 

-       ENARgy, June 2003

-       ENARgy, July – August 2003

-       ENARgy, November 2003

-       ENARgy, December 2003

-       ENARgy, January 2004

-       ENARgy, February 2004

 

All editions are available on the website and are also disseminated to the EU institutions (Commission, MEPs, etc) and to other NGOs as well as organisations working in ENAR’s fields and to individuals who have registered on a mailing list.

 

The newsletter is slowly developing to be one of the major ENAR information tools.

 

The newsletter is now produced and distributed once a month. It provides information on ENAR’s activities and on its national co-ordinations. It also allows ENAR to disseminate feature and background articles on issues related to the EU’s anti-racism policy and to circulate ENAR’s views in this field.

 

 

2.3.6. ENAR national and EU shadow reports

 

Based on the agreement reached by the ENAR Board in 2001, it was possible to produce shadow reports (SRs) for 2002. Austria, Belgium, Finland, Portugal, Greece and the UK took the opportunity to produce a report in 2002 to reflect on the situation concerning racism in their country from the NGO perspective. The reports were placed on the ENAR website in spring 2002 and were disseminated at the 14^th Board meeting (June 2002) to all interested Board members.

 

The Secretariat provided the NCs with an updated version of Board Info Sheet 18 to clarify the content of these shadow reports in January 2003. The aim was to reflect upon the discussions of the Board, that is to say the 2002 reports should have a common structure and should cover the same issues, to guarantee the comparability and summary of a single EU shadow report at a later stage. 11 reports, in part of remarkable quality, were received from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, UK and the EU Co-ordination. Unfortunately, the remaining five NCs have not produced a shadow report for 2002. Concerning the timing around the production of the shadow reports, it should be mentioned that none of the NCs met the deadline and the Secretariat had to spend a considerable amount of time communicating with NCs on this matter. This needs extensive improvement for the future.

 

For the shadow reports 2003, a contract text was developed by the Secretariat and presented to and adopted by the 6^th Bureau meeting. This text clarifies content and format for all SRs, to harmonise the information gathered and to facilitate production of an EU-wide report in 2004. To date, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg and Portugal have signed the contract.

 

 

2.3.7. ENAR articles in external publications and newsletters

 

A number of articles written by staff members were published in external journals or magazines:

-       The newsletter of the European Policy Centre (EPC), on the Convention on the Future of Europe and equality issues

-       Belgian French-language newspaper Le soir on diversity and the European Constitution

-       October issue of the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI) newsletter (Ireland) on EU developments concerning racism and xenophobia

-       and the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) November newsletter on the transposition of the Race Directive in the EU.

 

 

2.3.8. ENAR brochure and PR folder

 

On various occasions the Secretariat has redesigned and redrafted the general ENAR brochure, which is targeted at the wider public, explaining in brief what ENAR is, ENAR’s future strategy and our main areas of concern.

 

In late 2003 the Secretariat prepared a text for an ENAR PR folder outlining ENAR’s aims and objectives, its structure and policy areas. This folder will be designed and laid out in a professional manner, using a new layout, which will be used for future ENAR publications as well. We are pleased to be able to present this PR folder at the 2^nd GA. It will be included in the GA folder of the delegates.

 

 

2.3.9. ENAR database

 

The Secretariat has worked over the past four years with insufficient IT equipment. The budget 2003/2004 finally allowed us to buy a database system appropriate for a network of our size. Several contacts were made in order to select the database system which best fits the requirements of the ENAR Secretariat. A final selection of the company was made in summer 2003 and the technical development of the database was finalised. In December 2003 and the following months, the data was entered. For this, extensive support from the NCs was needed to identify the contact details of members.

 

The database was already used for the preparation of the 2^nd GA and will be used for any future event as well as for targeted mailings and identification of experts in the network.

 

 

2.3.10. Questionnaire for contact details of ENAR members and experts

 

A questionnaire was designed by the Administrator and sent to all national co-ordinations in summer 2003 to request input from NCs about the member organisations and experts in the network. The feedback received to this mailing was rather poor. The NCs are urged to support the Secretariat in an effective manner to avoid waste of precious time and will soon receive another opportunity to provide their input.

 

 

 

2.4. ENAR reports

 

2.4.1. Report from 1^st General Assembly of ENAR, March 2001

 

It was only in late 2001 that the Secretariat succeeded in finalising the report from the 1^st ENAR General Assembly held in March 2001 in Brussels. The report was translated into English, French and German and was mailed to all participants.

 

 

2.4.2. Shadow reports

 

See 2.3.6.

 

 

2.4.3. Annual report 2001, 2002 and 2003

 

For the years 2001, 2002 and 2003, the Secretariat compiled an annual report covering all activities undertaken during the year. The annual report for 2001 was presented at the 3^rd AEA in Brussels and the report covering 2002 was presented at the 4^th AEA in Copenhagen. The 2003 annual report was presented at the 5^th AEA in November 2003 in Palermo. A three-year report covering activities from April 2001 to March 2004 was finalised in view of the 2^nd GA, scheduled on 26-28 March 2004 in Lisbon. All reports are posted on the website.

 

 

 

2.5. ENAR draft work programme 2003/2004 and 2004/2005

 

For the period 2003/2004 the Secretariat has continued to develop a detailed WP. Based on the findings of the review and the current WP 2003/2004, it was felt to be appropriate to specify the various activities of ENAR in terms of when, how and who would carry out the work programme activities. This approach continues to clarify tasks and capacities needed for the work programme of an EU-wide network with its various actors and bodies. Details of what activities are envisaged (meetings, seminars, conferences, lobbying, publications, etc) are outlined in the document.

 

The annual work programme for the period May 2004 to April 2005 was drafted over the summer weeks with extensive discussions within the Secretariat to achieve a coherent and comprehensive draft. The text was presented at the 18^th Board meeting for a first reading and disseminated in September among the network to encourage feedback from the membership. While no feedback was received in writing, comments were made during the 18^th Board meeting (October 2003), which the Secretariat tried to accommodate as much as possible. After the WP 2004/2005 was adopted at the 5^th AEA in Palermo, the Secretariat produced a chart outlining the events and activities over the project year. This chart is available in EN, FR and DE on the website. Based on this chart, the Director will continue to specify the tasks and work necessary to implement the work programme on a three-monthly basis for internal purposes of the Secretariat. These ‘three-month work plans’ indicate when and by which of the staff members work should be carried out.

 

 

2.6. ENAR partnerships in projects

 

2.6.1. SOLIDAR project

 

SOLIDAR – a network based in Brussels – applied to do a project to improve recruitment procedures in their member organisations. ENAR was asked to be a project partner and was represented by Michelynn Laflèche from the UK Race and Europe Network (UKREN). ENAR supported SOLIDAR during the project period 2001 in the stage of the project relating to the application of the principles of best recruitment practice in non-profit organisations. SOLIDAR applied for funding for a second phase of the project but was unfortunately not successful in receiving funding for 2002.

 

 

2.6.2. PEER (Paths of empowerment of EU residents)

 

Through an initiative of the Italian round table, ENAR applied for funding for the project ‘Paths of empowerment of EU residents’. The project started in mid-December 2000 and ended in March 2002.

 

The project aimed to provide grassroots NGOs active in the field of combating discrimination on the grounds of ethnic origin, religion and age with the instruments for enhancing self-empowerment activity. To achieve this goal, the project developed a toolkit for the acquisition of know-how about the democratic decision-making process and to enhance effective participation Examination of self-empowerment experiences, problem analysis, exchange of experiences and know-how with NGOs active in combating different grounds of discrimination, press work and lobbying formed part of the activities of the project.

 

Regional PEER Conferences were organised in Copenhagen (Northern Europe) and Bonn (Central Europe).

 

The closing conference of the PEER project was held on 8-9 March 2002 in Brussels. A good number of participants from minority backgrounds attended from all over Europe. The former co-ordinator of PEER, Luciano Scagliotti, worked on the activity and financial report of the PEER project to guarantee its timely delivery to the Commission. The documents were delivered in June 2002.

 

 

 

 

2.6.3. CEJI/NICEM project

 

The partners of this project (both member organisations of ENAR) are running a project on anti-racism training for public authorities. ENAR was involved in the opening and final stage of the project to contribute to the development of the training and to inform participants at a training seminar about the latest developments of the transposition of the RD.

 

 

2.6.4. MiraMedia monitoring project

 

ENAR, through its Chair Bashy Quraishy, is involved in the media-monitoring project of MiraMedia. The project aims to analyse the presentation of ethnic minorities in the media. In November 2003 a week of media monitoring was carried out. In March 2004 supporters of the project carried out a week of activities connected to the International Day against Racism.

 

 

 

2.7. ENAR website

 

April 2003 – March 2004

 



 

 

From December 2001 until November 2002, the daily average number of visitors rose from 137 to 296/day. Today, we can count on an average of 301 visitors/day (or 11,890 visitors in October 2003 – data in yellow).

 

Between April 2003 and February 2004, a total of 121,832 visitors visited ENAR’s website.

 

Since November 2003, the number of visits has kept increasing. ENAR’s site reached a peak of 14,570 visits in February 2004

 

Also, the site is currently under reconstruction and is being restructured to be more user-friendly.

 

The pages that have been visited most are breaking news, events, the link to ‘ENARgy’ and publications.

 

 

 

2.8. ENAR’s media work

 

During the reporting period 22 press releases were issued. The topics covered were:

-       New ENAR staff

-       Danish situation

-       International Migrants’ Day (18 Dec. 2001)

-       New immigration legislation in Denmark (Jan. 2002)

-       Danish government policies (March 2002)

-       International Day against Racism (March 2002)

-       Anti-Semitic acts in Europe (April 2002)

-       Far right swing in France (April 2002)

-       Murder of Dutch politician Pim Fortuyn (May 2002)

-       Meeting with the Danish Integration Minister (May 2002)

-       Spanish government policies (June 2002)

-       Seville Summit (June 2002)

-       International Migrants’ Day (18 Dec. 2002)

-       ENAR conference on the Transposition of the Race Equality Directive (before

and after the event - Jan. 2003)

-       Future EU Constitution and ENAR’s priorities, such as equality for

all and non-discrimination (Feb. 2003)

-       ENAR’s position on the Convention (March 2003)

-       Tampere and the Family Reunion Directive (March 2003)

-       Commemoration of the International Day against Racism (21 March 2003)

-       ENAR drew attention to the deadline for transposition and the fact that

EU Member States had not fulfilled their obligation to transpose the Directive

into national anti-discrimination legislation (July 2003)

-       Racist members of the European Parliament (July 2003)

-       Religious discrimination as a follow-up to the conference (November 2003)

-       International Migrants’ Day (18 Dec. 2003)

 

Since November 2003, ENAR has become more visible in the media through targeted media activities:

ENAR has

-       already published 2 Viewpoint pieces in the European voice (a leading European weekly read throughout the EU institutions).

-       organised interviews with Euronews on the transposition of the Equality Directives

-       helped set up interviews with Radio Netherlands for the Belgian and European NCs on issues related to political rights of third-country nationals and anti-Semitism.

-       conducted a media campaign on the European Constitution which resulted in coverage

-       published a letter to the editor in the European voice regarding anti-Semitism

-       disseminated its open letter on racism to a large number of journalists

 

Since November 2003, the Communication Officer has been working on creating an extensive journalist database for ENAR, which did not exist before.

 

 

 

2.9. Structural issues

 

2.9.1. New statutes

 

The ENAR statutes under Belgian law as adopted at the 1^st GA were published on 7 April 2003 in the Moniteur Belge. For further details on the new structure of ENAR in the face of enlargement please see 2.10.2.

 

 

2.9.2. Operating manual

 

Based on a first draft dating back to 2000, the Director has further developed the operating manual with input from the Bureau, Manifesto Implementation Team (MIT) members and an external evaluator. For further details see 2.10.3.

 

 

2.9.3. Information about new statuses in ENAR

 

Agreement was reached at the 16^th Board Meeting (February 2003) to diversify the membership status in the network. Information about the different categories of ENAR membership was placed on the ENAR website. Since then we have received several requests for accession membership. The Secretariat confirms these requests and considers the new members in accession countries as possible supporters for building up new co-ordinations in the future member states.

 

 

2.9.4. Contacts with NGOs in accession countries

 

During the past year staff members have developed contacts with a number of NGOs in accession countries. During a meeting of the UN in Prague in October 2003, with some attendance by NGOs from the accession countries, some agreements were made regarding support for preparing initial, informal meetings in February and March 2004, to meet smaller groups of NGOs in the accession countries, leading to the establishment of NCs at a later stage. The first AC NGO meetings took place in Hungary and Latvia in February and March 2004. Others are scheduled in April in the Czech Republic and Poland.

 

 

 

 

 

2.10. ENAR review

 

2.10.1. ENAR Review

 

As mentioned in the introduction, in 2001 the Board agreed to undergo a review process with the support of external evaluators. This was due to the fact that staff as well as Board members felt an extensive evaluation was needed to reorient the development of ENAR.

The two external evaluators did a data collection exercise to receive feedback and input from various stakeholders on the development and work performance of the network. This data collection was presented at a review seminar with Board and staff members on 21-22 June 2002. The result of this seminar was the ENAR Manifesto (see below), which outlined the most central issues to be clarified for the network. The Bureau, together with the external evaluator, the UK Board member and the Director (the so-called Manifesto Implementation Team, MIT) held a first meeting on the implementation of the Manifesto on 1 September 2002. The group tried to describe the vision of ENAR, in order to identify the organisation’s goals in terms of which political topics should have priority and which organisations ENAR aims to represent. Two more seminars on the implementation of the Manifesto were held on 17 January and 4 May 2003. The group mainly worked on Manifesto points such as ‘How can we have an inclusive and robust decision-making process?’ and terms of reference for the Board. This led to the development of an operating manual and a strategic plan. The MIT regularly reported back to the Board about current developments. A final report was given at the 18^th Board meeting in May 2003 and the group was disbanded after it had completed its task.

During 2003 the Board, Bureau and AEA gave input to draft documents stemming from this review process so as to be able to disseminate the strategic plan and operating manual to the membership for their input. A consultation process was launched in late 2003 on these documents, which will be adopted at the 2^nd GA in March 2004.

 

 

2.10.1.1. The ENAR Manifesto

 

1.     What skills do we need? (Board, Secretariat, NC)

2.     What is our vision? Whom do we represent?

3.     How do we enhance ENAR’s profile?

4.     How do we identify organisational objectives?

5.     Who has responsibility and authority at different levels in ENAR?

6.     How does the board move from the detail to the big picture?

7.     How do we have an inclusive and robust decision-making process? Rules, etc.

8.     How do we achieve a financially sustainable organisation?

 

 

2.10.2. Statutes

 

Enlargement of the EU is coming closer. This means an enlargement of the network to comply with the EU requirements for funding in future. Reflecting on the current structure of the network, it would not have been possible to maintain the structure as outlined in the existing statutes. This would have led to an extensive financial burden to hold statutory meetings with the increased number of NCs.

A first debate on the revision of statutes was held at the 6^th Bureau meeting and the proposed new structure was successively discussed in the Board and AEA. The new statues revise the structure give the power of the GA to the meeting which is held annually, but keep a tri-annual meeting for the development of the strategic plan. In order to keep a group of 26 Board members functioning Board meetings will be held twice a year with the central aim to discuss the policies of ENAR. An enlarged Bureau of 7 persons will focus on the managerial aspects of the ENAR work.

The draft statutes via the Board members went through a consultation process in December 2003-January 2004 and will be adopted at the 2^nd GA.

 

 

2.10.3. Operating manual

 

The operating manual fills a gap to provide clear guidelines of roles, responsibilities and rules for the network and its stakeholders. Compiling aspects of governance and roles and responsibilities of Board and staff members, a handbook format was chosen to include the internal regulations, financial regulations and other important aspects to be communicated to Board members, substitutes and staff members. The draft operating manual was debated with Board members on various occasions and disseminated for consultation via the Board members in January 2004. This document will be adopted in March 2004 and will serve as a comprehensive manual and guideline for all stakeholders of ENAR. However, this manual is an evolving document and will need updating and revision from time to time.

 

 

2.10.4. Strategic plan for ENAR

 

In order to harmonise discussions around ENAR’s mission, vision and future policy perspectives, the Director drafted a strategic plan with intensive input from the Board, Bureau and external evaluators in 2003. This paper aims to define the central policy as well as structural issues of ENAR from 2004 to 2006. This draft was discussed on various occasions by the MIT, the Bureau and the Board and also received input from the 4^th AEA. In November-December 2003, the draft strategic plan was disseminated via the Board Members among the network for consultation to guarantee the smooth adoption of the document during the 2^nd GA.

 

 

2.10.5. Performance management system

 

Based on the understanding that ENAR is a learning organisation and with the very constructive experience of the review ENAR decided to have an ongoing evaluation process of the delivery of the work programme. On 5 May 2003 the Bureau and staff members held a meeting together with John Tierney to develop performance indicators for the annual work programme 2003/2004. This work is based on the decision made by the 4^th AEA to carry out an evaluation of the work programme at the end of its term. A presentation of the draft performance management (PM) system was made at the 17^th Board Meeting.

ENAR had taken this initiative at the right moment. For the budget period 2004/2005 the EC requested that a PM system be introduced in all networks receiving funding. ENAR was therefore easily able to meet the requirements and even to build on the experience made in the year before.

In mid March 2004 a meeting with the external evaluator and staff members will take place to compile the necessary information to be able to make an assessment of the work programme period 2003/2004.

 

 

 

2.11. Co-operation with other European institutions, organisations and networks

 

2.11.1. Anti-discrimination group on Article 13

 

At the beginning of 2000, ENAR established this group with the participation of other European organisations fighting discrimination on various grounds. Information was exchanged and lobbying strategies were discussed and co-ordinated. This work has made it possible to establish an excellent working relationship with these networks. Since the main aim to collaborate on the adoption of the Directives on discrimination has been achieved, we felt co-operation should be continued in an informal manner. The last meeting of the anti-discrimination group was held on 28 September 2001.

A similar grouping was established in the social platform in late 2002 where ENAR actively contributes (see 2.11.4.)

 

 

2.11.2. Group on migration led by UNHCR

 

ENAR has participated over the years in this group and receives the latest news concerning asylum and migration issues. The participation is also helpful to co-ordinate action. However, with the reorientation of the focus of ENAR’s policy, the participation by ENAR was reduced.

 

 

2.11.3. European Co-ordination work on the right to family life

 

See 2.1.6.1.

 

 

2.11.4. Membership of the European Platform of Social NGOs

 

ENAR has been an active member of the Platform of Social NGOs since 1999. ENAR uses the added value of access to other European organisations to support its specific anti-racist focus. ENAR has regularly succeeded in putting anti-discrimination issues on the agenda of the Platform and in May 2002 introduced its Citizenship Campaign. The collaboration with other members working in the anti-discrimination sector is fruitful and supportive at the Brussels level.

 

ENAR has been supporting the establishment of a working party on discrimination. This is a group discussing all issues related to the relevant directives and the Information Campaign on discrimination carried out by the EC. ENAR regularly attended meetings of the enlargement working group, the steering group and bi-annual meetings with the platform and the EC.

Even though this is a time-consuming membership, the Secretariat feels the added value in its daily work.

 

 

2.11.5. Co-operation with the European Commission

 

The relationship between the EC and ENAR has greatly improved over time. The staff of the Secretariat and the staff of the relevant units of the Commission meet on a regular basis and effective communication has been established on policy issues as well as on financial matters. ENAR representatives and Commission officials met on two occasions on 11 July and 18 October 2002. The first meeting focused on the feedback concerning the ENAR review and the staffing situation. The second meeting was used by the Commission to express what is expected from ENAR concerning the working programme. A meeting concerning the ENAR standpoint on the evaluation of the EUMC and the redraft of the EUMC regulation was held on 7 October 2003 in Brussels. ENAR representatives and Commission officials met in the ENAR office to speak about the draft ENAR work programme as well as about political and financial issues. The EC used this occasion to express its appreciation of the developments of ENAR over the last year.

 

 

2.11.6. Co-operation with the EUMC

 

Since autumn 2002, ENAR has had regular links and co-operation with the EUMC. The regular meetings held with the EUMC in 2002 and 2003 were unfortunately not continued, since the EUMC did not express any interest.

 

In March and April 2003, the Secretariat communicated intensively with the EUMC to clarify specific areas of possible co-operation in the context of the Convention (implementation of the Race Directive, Framework Decision on Racism and Xenophobia and religious discrimination). The EUMC Director suggested consulting with her Management Committee to clarify such a co-operation. The Board of EUMC did not support the proposal. Concerning the regulation of the EUMC, ENAR provided active support to the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) in the preparation of a meeting with NGO representatives to receive input on the draft regulation published by the EC in summer 2003. ENAR presented an opinion on the structure of the EUMC at this meeting and helped a large number of member organisations to do the same.

 

 

2.11.7. Co-operation with other EU networks working on other grounds of discrimination

 

During 2002, Directors of the EU networks, funded by the Action Programme under Article 13, established regular communication and a meeting to exchange experience concerning the application of funds from the Commission. This exchange was perceived as very helpful in raising awareness of requests formulated by the Commission. During 2003 staff members of all Art. 13 networks have intensively co-operated in the context of lobbying the Convention. Within the context of the Social Platform and far beyond this co-operation is most useful for the Secretariat and the network as a whole. The method of co-operation and exchange is pragmatic and goal oriented and is highly appreciated by all those involved.

 

 

2.11.8. Contact with NGOs in the accession countries

 

See section 2.9.4.

 

 

2.11.9. Co-operation with the EP Intergroup on Racism

 

In late 2001 and early 2002 the Secretariat was involved in a number of meetings with members of the European Parliament Intergroup on Racism to see how ENAR could support the structure of the Intergroup. On 21 March 2002 ENAR suggested a list of topics to the Intergroup with the aim of identifying possible policy areas for the group’s future work. In early 2003 the staff members made a final attempt to support the EP Intergroup on Racism. Given the unclear internal structure of this group, ENAR decided to co-operate with individuals from the group and to wait until the Intergroup is potentially reconstituted during the new EP term.

 

 

2.11.10. European Co-ordinating Committee and International Steering Group

 

Through the preparation of the WCAR a good number of Eastern and Western European NGOs have established working links with ENAR. In general it can be said that competitive feelings between NGOs in Europe have turned into an atmosphere of co-operation which can only strengthen our work. Those contacts and working relations were very helpful and have enabled a comprehensive overview of the anti-racism NGO community in Europe.

 

 

2.11.11. Council of Europe (ECRI)

 

ENAR intensified its co-operation with the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) and the Council of Europe during the European preparation process of the WCAR. Since then ECRI and ENAR communicate on a regular basis. Material and reports produced by ECRI are regularly used by ENAR and its members and ECRI was present at the Conference on the Transposition of the Race Directive to introduce its policy guidelines relevant in this sector.

ENAR was invited to an informal consultation meeting in early 2003 providing feedback and suggestions for the work of ECRI. The department working on undocumented migrants of the Council of Europe invited ENAR in late 2003 for an informal meeting to debate the situation of undocumented people in Europe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. The ENAR bodies and their activities

 

3.1. Board Meetings

 

3.1.1. 10^th Board Meeting

 

This Board Meeting focused on several issues related to the implementation of Article 13. Country reports were given on the stage of implementation of anti-discrimination legislation and lobbying for independent bodies in the countries was also discussed. Besides the preparation process and involvement of ENAR in the WCAR, an evaluation of the General Assembly in March 2001 was made. It was decided to work on a position paper on religious discrimination in the coming months.

 

 

3.1.2. 11^th Board Meeting

 

The 11^th Board Meeting focused on the evaluation of the WCAR and the impact ENAR was able to make in the NGO Forum and the official governmental conference. The group on governance tabled proposals on the structure and decision-making process within ENAR. Besides recruitment and staffing issues the board discussed a proposal for a position paper on religious discrimination.

 

 

3.1.3. 12^th Board Meeting

 

This Board Meeting dealt with the campaigns of ENAR on Citizenship and the Implementation of the Race Equality Directive as well as with the application for the budget period 2002/2003. The recruitment of the Information Officer and the Secretary was discussed. As the Board members’ terms of office had ended, it was necessary to elect a new Bureau. Bashy Quraishy was elected Chair, Pascale Charhon and Ammar Bounaira were elected Vice Chairs and Simone Wiegratz was elected as Treasurer.

 

 

3.1.4. 13^th Board Meeting

 

The Board focused mainly on policy topics such as the transposition of the Race Equality Directive and the Employment Guidelines. A discussion paper on the admission of students into the EU was presented and recommendations from the ENAR migration conference were discussed. The review process was included on the agenda and a proposal was made to use external consultants.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.1.5. 14^th Board Meeting

 

This Board meeting focused on the staffing situation in the ENAR Secretariat and a final report of the PEER project was presented. Simon Wilson from the Social Platform gave a presentation on the developments of the Convention on the Future of Europe. Based on this, the Board decided that ENAR should produce a position paper for the Convention.

 

 

3.1.6. 15^th Board Meeting

 

The 15^th Board Meeting was combined with a meeting with Barbara Nolan from the EC and a brief introductory seminar on ENAR finances, to enable Board Members to contribute to the budget negotiations later in the agenda. The agenda contained the first reading of the ENAR work programme of 2003/2004 as well as a presentation of the ENAR budget for this period. In addition, a new approach for ENAR GAs was agreed and a new internal financial regulation was adopted. After activity reports were received from Board Members, job descriptions for all ENAR staff members were tabled. In a final stage the agenda for the 4^th AEA was checked and adopted.

 

 

3.1.7. 16^th Board Meeting

 

The Board discussed and adopted general proposals on how ENAR might develop conferences and publications and present the Framework Decision on Combating Racism and Xenophobia to Board members. Furthermore, proposals on ENAR’s 2^nd GA and an ENAR diary were prepared.

 

 

 

3.1.8. 17^th Board Meeting

 

The Board had a first debate on religious discrimination. Further points discussed were the work on an EU citizenship of residence, mainstreaming, final decisions on the 2^nd GA preparation, an honorary council for ENAR and the information flow within the network.

 

 

 

3.1.9. 18^th Board Meeting

 

The 18^th Board Meeting was held immediately after the conference on religious discrimination in Soesterberg, NL. The agenda included the strategic plan as well as the operating manual. The draft work programme 2004/2005 and the accompanying budget was presented. An extensive debate was held again on issues related to the 2^nd GA in Lisbon.

The discussion on religious discrimination and on recommendations leading to a policy paper took a prominent place on the agenda. Furthermore, decisions were made on external assistants for ENAR events and the development of an Honorary Council for ENAR.

 

 

 

3.1.10. 19^th Board Meeting

 

The 19^th Board meeting was held on 6-7 February 2004 in Brussels. The agenda was dominated by discussion of policy issues like mainstreaming, religious discrimination and citizenship. The meeting also clarified the format of ENAR policy and lobbying papers and gave the fundraiser feedback on his proposal on corporate funding for the network. Final agreements were also made on the 2^nd GA and the development of an ENAR Committee of eminent persons. The board welcomed the new representative of the Swedish NC, who was elected only a week before the 19^th BM.

 

All preparation documents for Board meetings are posted on the restricted part of the website. Discussion leading to Board rulings as well as minutes of Board meetings can also be found there.

 

 

 

Board meetings	Place	Date
10th Board meeting	Stockholm	12 – 13 May 2001
11th Board meeting	Lisbon	22 – 23 September 2001
12th Board meeting	Brussels	1 – 2 December 2001
13th Board meeting	Brussels	2 – 3 March 2002
14th Board meeting	Brussels	23 June 2002
15th Board meeting	Brussels	19 – 20 October 2002
16th Board meeting	Berlin	1 – 2 February 2003
17th Board meeting	Thessaloniki, GR	24 – 25 May 2003
18th Board meeting	Soesterberg, NL	26 – 27 October 2003
19th Board meeting	Brussels	7 – 8 February 2004

 

 

 

3.2. Annual European Assembly (AEA)

 

3.2.1. 3^rd Annual European Assembly

 

This AEA took place on 19-21 October 2001 in Brussels. We welcomed Luca Pirozzi from the EC to introduce developments of the Anti-discrimination Unit of the EC DG Employment and Social Affairs. A representative of the EUMC gave an introduction to RAXEN. After a round of activity reports, follow-up strategies for the ECAR (European Conference against Racism) were discussed. As the central aim of the AEA, the work programme for 2002 was introduced and adopted. New Board members were confirmed and the 2000/2001 financial report was adopted.

 

3.2.2. 4^th Annual European Assembly

 

The 4^th AEA took place from 29 November to 1 December 2002. Following the EU Presidencies, this AEA was held in Copenhagen. The meeting was opened with a panel discussion on the Presidency priorities concerning anti-discrimination measures. The debate was all in all unsatisfactory, since sentiments got heated. After the presentation of the activity report, the draft work programme was presented, discussed and adopted. A new format of a work programme was used to specify activities, policy areas, timelines and the actors. A session on the development of a strategic plan was most helpful in moving forward on this matter. Later the forecasted budget and the 2001/2002 financial report were adopted.

 

 

3.2.3. 5^th Annual European Assembly

 

In conformity with its central aim the 5^th AEA discussed and adopted the annual work programme 2004/2005 as well as the budget for this period. The strategic plan was discussed and recommended to the GA for adoption. The NCs as well as the Secretariat presented their work carried out since November 2002. Furthermore the new board members and substitutes of some NCs were confirmed. The meeting took place on 28-30 November 2003 in Palermo.

 

 

AEA	Place	Date
3rd AEA	Brussels	19 – 21 October 2001
4th AEA	Copenhagen	29 November – 1 December 2002
5th AEA	Palermo	28 – 30 November 2003

 

 

3.3. Bureau

 

In order to share out the responsibility held by the President until late 2001, the role of the Bureau was redefined to take care of management issues and from March 2002 onwards regular meetings were held.

 

 

3.3.1. 1^st Bureau meeting

 

 

The first Bureau meeting held after the election of the new Bureau on 1 March 2002 in Brussels focused on the assessment of the work programme implemented so far and the envisaged review of ENAR. Staffing matters were tabled and a meeting with Barbara Nolan of the EC was prepared. The Bureau also developed ideas about how the PEER project could be followed up.

 

 

3.3.2. 2^nd Bureau meeting

 

This Bureau meeting, held on 25 May 2002 in Brussels, touched upon issues such as the contracts with the ENAR NCs and how press releases should be developed.

 

 

3.3.3. 3^rd Bureau meeting

 

At its third meeting, on 15 September 2002, the Bureau focused on the continuation of the ENAR review, including the staffing situation. The proposal for the ENAR conference on the transposition of the Race Equality Directive was presented and adopted. The Bureau also received a first presentation of the draft work programme and the agenda of the 15^th Board meeting was approved.

 

 

3.3.4. 4^th Bureau meeting

 

On 20 November 2002, the Bureau, Director and external evaluator held a conference call to discuss and prepare the session on the ENAR vision on the agenda of the 4^th AEA. This preparation was crucial to present developments concerning the implementation of the ENAR Manifesto to the delegates at the meeting.

 

 

 

3.3.5. 5^th Bureau meeting

 

On 4 May 2003, the Bureau held its 5^th meeting and discussed issues related to the 2^nd GA. A system for per diem calculations, the second phase of the appraisal of the Director and guidelines for the participation of Board members at external conferences were discussed.

 

 

3.3.6. 6^th Bureau meeting

 

On 3 July 2003, the 6^th Bureau meeting was held in Brussels, mainly to discuss the vacancy of the Information Officer post in the Secretariat, the need for changed statutes in the face of the enlargement of ENAR, the contract text for shadow reports, the division of labour for the 2^nd GA, the strategic plan developments, as well as the possible involvement of ENAR in the European Social Forum (ESF).

 

 

3.3.7. 7^th Bureau meeting

 

On 3 October 2003, the 7^th Bureau meeting was held in Brussels to present the ENAR fundraising plan and to discuss issues related to ENAR membership fees, etc

Concerning the involvement of ENAR in the ESF, it was agreed that Luciano would communicate with members to check out their involvement in this event.

 

Before the meeting itself, the Bureau had the opportunity to meet Barbara Nolan and Deirdre Hodson from the EC. An exchange of work priorities was done. Barbara Nolan signalled that they realise the great improvement of the network in its work performance.

 

 

 

3.3.8. 8^th Bureau meeting

 

The 8^th Bureau meeting was held in Brussels on 5 March 2004 in Brussels. It focused on issues related to management of the network such as logistics for elections of Board members in summer 2004, enlarging the network and the preparation of the GA.

 

The minutes of the Bureau are disseminated to the Board and posted on the restricted part of the website. Bureau decisions are kept in a register in the office and are also made available on the website.

 

 

Bureau meetings	Place	Date
1st Bureau	Brussels	1 March 2002
2nd Bureau	Brussels	25 May 2002
3rd Bureau	Brussels	15 September 2002
4th Bureau	(conference call)	20 November 2002
5th Bureau	Brussels	5 May 2003
6th Bureau	Brussels	18 July 2003
7th Bureau	Brussels	3 October 2003
8th Bureau	Brussels	5 March 2004

 

 

3.4. Reference groups

 

3.4.1. Reference group on staffing issues

 

During the month of April 2003 the staffing group carried out an appraisal of the Director, which was reported back to the 17^th Board meeting.

 

The staffing group was involved in the final selection for the shortlist of candidates for the posts of Information Officer, Policy Manager, Administrator and Policy Assistant and Website and Reports Officer.

 

The Secretariat would like to thank all Bureau members, Board members and substitutes for their constructive contributions and input into the activities of the network. The Secretariat feels that this ownership and involvement is crucial for the network to grow and to profile itself with clear and timely policy statements.

 

 

3.4.2. Reference group on finances

 

This reference group was established in 2002. The aim was to involve Board members in financial aspects of the network. However, only the treasurer assumed the tasks identified for this group. Communication was done via e-mail.

 

 

3.4.3. Reference group on the Roma publication

 

This group was set up by a number of Board members working on Roma issues. The aim of the group was to contribute to the editing of this publication. The group met several times in the context of Board meetings to discuss the content of the publication. After a considerable delay it was decided that the editing would be done by one of the group members on the basis of a contract.

 

 

3.4.4. Reference group on religious discrimination

 

Board members working on religious discrimination were involved in the production of the publication on religious discrimination. Regular communication on the developments of the proposal for this publication was disseminated and developments in the drafting of the text were communicated. During the final stage of the editing process, the group members gave their opinion on the draft text and made recommendations for changes and the inclusion of additional relevant information.

 

 

3.4.5. Reference group on review (MIT)

 

See section 2.10.1.

 

 

3.5. National co-ordinations of ENAR

 

During the reporting period a number of new Board members were elected and familiarised themselves with the ENAR structure and working methods. In late 2001 Finland established a new ENAR structure and elected new Board members. An organisation was identified to take over the co-ordination of the Finnish organisations.

Co-ordinations hold meetings at intervals as required within their framework and regular activity reports were presented during Board meetings.

 

About 10 co-ordinations registered under national law during the reporting period. However, the Swedish as well as the Spanish co-ordination were faced with some problems in developing an inclusive and democratic structure.

 

NCs to a large extend succeeded in disseminating the information material, the newsletter, publications, etc to their members. However, feedback is received from individual members that material does not reach to the membership in all cases.

 

One future challenge of ENAR will be to develop its NCs in a sound and transparent way to ensure democratic structures and policy input from the bottom, which legitimises ENAR’s representation role on the EU level.

 

 

3.6. The ENAR team in the Secretariat

 

The employment contracts of three staff members (Director, Deputy Director and Administrator) ended in the second half of 2002. Two colleagues (Deputy Director and Administrator) decided not to prolong their contracts with ENAR. This resulted in a recruitment process carried out in July and August 2002. The Director developed a new and sophisticated system of evaluating applications and short-listed candidates with the strong support of the staffing group and an external person with expertise in recruitment. Both vacancies were filled, in August and November 2002.

 

The Information Officer was replaced in October 2003.

 

Interviews for two new posts are scheduled for mid March 2004.

 

The recruitment process was accompanied by a revision of the job descriptions of all staff members in order to clarify responsibilities and tasks for each post to make sure that the staff in the Secretariat cover all the skills needed to carry out an ambitious work programme. In the context of the review, the skills of the Secretariat were identified as one of the central points to be clarified.

 

During the reporting period, the Director held individual appraisal meetings with each staff member. The system used is the same for all staff members and intends to cover work performance, satisfaction in work, training needs and identification of goals for the upcoming six months.

 

 

Current Secretariat staff

 

Jeannette Nchung Oru            Secretary                                 since 2001

Patricia Curzi                          Administrator                         since October 2002

Anoush der Boghossian          Information Officer                 since October 2003

Sophie de Jonckheere              Policy Manager                       since November 2002

Vera Egenberger                      Director                                   since September 1999

 

 

Former Secretariat staff

 

Maria Miguel Sierra                Policy Officer & Deputy Director     1999-2002

Helen Barnsley                       Administrator                                     1999-2002

Fikirtemariam Mengistie         Information Officer                             1999-2002

István Ertl                               Information Officer                             2002-2003

 

 

Past and present trainees and conference assistants

 

Christopher Layden                Assistant to the Information Officer              2001

Elena Jenaro                            Assistant to the Secretariat                             2002

Gitta Grasshorn                      Assistant to the Secretariat                             2002

Frederik Lottje                        Assistant to the Information Officer              2002

Training seminar Assistant                             2003

Michaela Told                         Conference Assistant                                      2002

Frini Ezunkpe                         Conference Assistant                                      2002

Isabelle Delattre                      Training seminar Assistant                             2002

Julia Plessing                           Conference Assistant                                      2003

Eva Berghmans                       Conference Assistant                                      2003

Marina Diallo                          Trainee - Assistant to the Policy Manager   2003

Marina Loutridou                   Trainee - Assistant to the Director                 2003

                                                Trainee – Assistant to the Policy Manager present

Bernhard Knoblach                 Training seminar Assistant                             2004

Isabelle Slinckx                        Conference Assistant                                      present

Myriam De Feyter                 Conference Assistant                                      present

 

 

External staff members

 

Herbert de Graaf                     Fundraiser                               since October 2003

Cathy Lespiaucq                     Accountant                             since 2002

Jürgen Schlicher                      Webmaster                              since 1999

 

ENAR would like to extend its gratitude to all current and former staff members, volunteers and interim staff members for their constructive and fruitful support. ENAR would not be in the place it is now without their support and commitment.

 

3.6.10. ENAR office

 

As outlined during the 16^th BM, the conditions in the ENAR Secretariat were so bad that the Secretariat suggested looking for a new office. We searched intensively and visited about 12 –15 offices. After long discussions with Caritas, we succeeded in achieving some concrete measures to fight the armies of cockroaches experienced in spring 2003. Caritas was then willing to undertake a full refurbishment of the ENAR office, which has led us to decide to stay and to rearrange the office to serve future needs and capacities. In June the staff packed and moved out the office furniture, co-ordinated the plastering work and the installation of the windows. After this the staff painted the office. Afterwards the carpet was laid out, the furniture was moved back and the new office arrangement was completed. All the colleagues deserve a very big thank you for their efforts in this regard.

Finally on 14 September a housewarming party was held where about 50 people from various NGOs and some Bureau members attended to celebrate the new office.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Financial issues

 

4.1. Financial reports 2001/2002 and 2002/2003 of NCs and final reports to EC

 

During the reporting period the ENAR Secretariat regularly informed the co-ordinations about how and when the presentation of the final report of the national/EU co-ordinations must be presented. The final reports of ENAR need to contain this information, which must be presented to the EC 3 months after each budget period. An external audit report is furthermore required by the EC. A training seminar on financial management was organised in 2002 to help the co-ordinators and Board members to better understand the request for documentation and justification and to submit co-ordination final reports in time, in order not to endanger funding from the Commission.

 

The presentation of the 2002/2003 financial reports of national co-ordinations to the Secretariat was unfortunately not satisfactory. Extensive delays were experienced even after a number of general and individual reminders. However, the Secretariat succeeded in completing the final report to the EC just in time. The non presentation of a number of financial reports of NCs or the divergence from amounts agreed with NCs led to the fact that about €30,000 was not spent and was sent back to the EC.

In the past months the Secretariat had communicated with the NCs to guarantee a smooth development of the final report of the budget period 2003/2004 which will end in April 2004. Unfortunately, the feedback requested was not satisfactory at all times. It must be expected that the budget is again underspent since a number of co-ordinations did not spend their ENAR funding as agreed in the contract signed in 2003.

 

 

4.2. External audit by independent accountant and financial inspection

 

Based on the requirement of the EC since 2002 each financial report is audited by an independent auditor.

 

The European Commission carried out an extensive financial audit at ENAR’s Secretariat from 9 to 12 December 2002 for all the past as well as the current budget periods. Thanks to the competence and experience of our accountant and the good preparation for this audit, no major problems were identified. The preparation in the Secretariat included the restructuring of some groups of receipts in the bookkeeping system, the introduction of a new accounting program, checking that all the invoices correspond with the bookkeeping and the completion of documents requested from national co-ordinations.

 

The Secretariat had the task to follow up some requests from the Commission concerning specific payments. For example, the Commission checked internally whether the redistribution of the budget 1999 to three co-ordinations, which have justified higher costs, was acceptable.

 

The final report of the EC on the audit was received in April 2003 with the written confirmation of the conformity of the bookkeeping and reporting to the EC financial rules.

 

All in all the strict management of funds demonstrates proof that such a system is needed to meet the standards of the EC and in order not to endanger future funding from the EC.

 

 

4.3. Application for 2002/2003, 2003/2004 and 2004/2005

 

During November and December 2001 and January 2002 the Secretariat worked on the funding application for the project period May 2002 – April 2003. It was very helpful to have a new Excel spreadsheet provided by the Commission for automatic calculation and a standard format to present the application. New projects were included in the application, such as ENAR training seminars on financial management and EU policies to enhance the skills within the network. The full application was submitted in January 2002 and the contract was signed in May. However, the Commission was very strict in relation to several sub-items, such as the subscription for the ‘Migration news sheet’, as well as the salary increases for the Deputy Director and the Administrator.

 

Concerning the application 2003/2004 the Director drafted the work programme and budget in summer 2002 to have sufficient time to discuss the drafts in the Bureau and Board and to guarantee a smooth adoption at the 4^th AEA. ENAR intended to include activities such as a printed version of an annual report, an EU shadow report based on the national shadow reports, which were unfortunately not accepted by the EC, given the limited budget available. The application had to be presented in January 2003. In this context ENAR did not claim 5% contingencies as done in past applications. The contract was received and signed on 30 April 2003.

 

Since October 2003 in combination with the development of the work programme 2004/2005, the Secretariat has been working on preparing the budget proposal for the period May 2004 to April 2005. The draft budget was presented at the 18^th Board meeting and a number of changes requested were included in a draft version to be discussed and adopted at the 5^th AEA. This draft budget will reflect the need to enlarge the ENAR structure to include accession countries as well as the experience of the past years concerning the financial needs of NCs. ENAR is asked to increase its own resources for this upcoming period.

However, the European Commission checked the application in detail in January/February 2004 and will decide if the proposed budget is acceptable.

 

It is felt that input from member organisations and NCs should be enhanced to strengthen ownership in the network.

 

 

4.4. Contracts with NCs

 

Based on the rather difficult experience in 2001, contracts were prepared with the ENAR co-ordinations, to define financial as well as work responsibilities, with the Secretariat in collaboration with a legal expert, with the Commission and the Treasurer. The original system, as used before, was not acceptable anymore for the European Commission. The first contracts were signed with NCs for the budget period 2001/2002.

 

Concerning the budget period 2002/2003 only in April 2003 did the Secretariat succeed in getting all contracts signed with ENAR co-ordinations. This process has taken all in all about 12 months and is far too long and time-consuming.

 

The contracts for the project period May 2003 – April 2004 were prepared earlier and most contracts were signed in mid 2003.

 

The Secretariat strongly requests better and timely support from co-ordinations on this matter.

 

 

 

4.5. Fundraising

 

4.5.1. Development of fundraising strategy

 

One point identified during the review process is that ENAR has realised that financial resources from the Commission, although fairly stable, will not always be available and, in addition, are provided on a decreasing scale. Manifesto point no. 8 states that ENAR should work towards financial sustainability. A small group within the Manifesto Implementation Team (MIT), and with the support of the Italian Board member, volunteered to develop a fundraising strategy.

 

As a first step a group of MIT members developed a proposal on a fundraising strategy for ENAR in early 2003. After the fundraiser was appointed in July 2003 this proposal was specified into a fundraising strategy, to guide the network over the coming three years on how to achieve increased own resources. Given the short period of the work of the fundraiser it would be too early to assess the impact and success of this strategy.

 

4.5.2. Donation system to ENAR

 

Following the ENAR project related to the possibility of granting a tax certificate for donations, an analysis was submitted to some members of the Bureau, detailing the pros and cons. After consulting a number of experts in this field the decision was taken not to continue with the request to grant a tax certificate to donors under Belgian law. It is not expected that a considerable amount of donations could be collected in Belgium, which would justify the extensive administrative burden.

Since donation systems and tax regulations are under national authority, a network such as ENAR is faced with general obstacles.




 

5. Reflection and looking forward

 

ENAR – the European Network against Racism – can now look back on an experience of about 8 years of work on the EU level of which the Secretariat was fully functioning for 5 years.

 

As outlined above, ENAR underwent a difficult and intense process of reflection and review. Developments have shown that this process has extensively helped the organisation to progress. A lot of us have learned lessons. This review was a vitally needed process to lead ENAR out of conflict and to put the network on its feet. The two external evaluators, one of whom is still involved in improving ENAR’s work performance, have opened our eyes and put us on the right track during the sometimes difficult and emotional review process. However hard it was, it has proved to be the right way to make something out of ENAR.

 

The catalogue of activities outlined above is a clear indication that the network has understood its role in the EU to focus on policy development and on strengthening its profile, reliability and impact for its stakeholders.

 

Reflection is important and not only on an occasional level but regularly. ENAR is a learning organisation and this is why we decided to have a permanent performance management process in our work. We need to stay vigilant to reflect and change if things are not going well.

 

We can all be proud: with the adoption of a fundraising strategy, an operating manual, clear guidelines for what is expected from the staff and a strategic plan and extensive annual work programmes, we have clarified the 8 Manifesto points developed during the review process. It is now up to the network as a whole to implement these guidelines. It is good to be optimistic and to celebrate success but we also need to look forward and see what remains to be done. As you will see, it is still a lot.

 

I believe we can say that the Secretariat as well as the Bureau has shown an effective performance. An extensive improvement of the performance of the Board with its role to focus on policy issues is strongly visible. However, there some work still remains to be done in the establishment of sound and proactive, inclusive and democratic national co-ordinations. A good number of national co-ordinations are fully functioning but we also have seen difficulties in cooperation and communication within the membership of NCs. Such situations need to be changed if ENAR is to achieve its principles of being inclusive, pluralistic, transparent and democratic.

 

The challenge of getting all national co-ordinations right in order to give a clear message to the 10 new co-ordinations about how ENAR wishes to work appears to be the most central aspect to be achieved in the next 1 – 2 years.

 

Let’s not forget we have more challenges to take on. The current EU and its political approach is hardly supporting our vision of a society free of racism. To be a strong lobby for proactive and sound anti-discrimination tools in the EU we have to convince conservative governments, which feel that restrictive measures are the order of the day, that our ideas and proposals are better. Only with a strong network, where every part of it is aware of its role, will we be able to make a change. There is still a long way to go to eliminate racism in Europe.

 

It is our strong desire to cordially thank the Board members and substitutes for their constructive inputs and support during the review process. Bureau members and a number of individual Board members have invested their commitment and time to move ENAR forward. All former and current staff members as well as volunteers have contributed to the success of ENAR over the last 3 years, far beyond their contractual requirements with their hearts, hands and brains.

Thanks also go to the EC, specifically the Anti-discrimination Unit, for their financial as well as political support and information, which has allowed ENAR to move on in its structural and political development. The constructive co-operation with members of the European Parliament as well as the Convention has improved ENAR’s policy profile.

 

And last but not least a ‘Thank you’ goes to all members of ENAR for accompanying us over the past three years. We hope that we can together continue our fight against racism.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial reports

 

2001 - 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

European Network Against Racism

ENAR

43, rue de la Charité

B – 1210 Brussels

 

Tel.:     0032 2 229 35 70

Fax:     0032 2 229 35 75

 

E-mail: info@enar-eu.org

Website: www.enar-eu.org