2026 Annual Seminar
Registration
Who can register?
The registration form is reserved for members of national equality bodies in Council of Europe member states.
Registration deadline
Please complete the registration form
by 30 July 2026.
Practical information
Date
15–16 October 2026
Place
Strasbourg
Palais de l'Europe, Room 8
Working languages
English and French
Participants
Representatives of equality bodies of Council of Europe member states, ECRI, the European Network of Equality Bodies (Equinet), the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination CERD, various Council of Europe sectors, independent specialists and civil society actors
Partners
CERD and Equinet
Why this seminar matters
Public debate across Europe is increasingly marked by the political instrumentalisation of national, ethnic, religious, gender and other identities. The seminar will provide a space to analyse these developments and identify practical responses by equality bodies.
Harmful instrumentalisation of personal characteristics or status in the political sphere and other public spaces
Political and other public discourse can contribute to the stigmatisation of communities already exposed to hate and discrimination, particularly when certain groups are portrayed in politics, in the media and in online environments as threats to national identity, security or cohesion.
Hateful and discriminatory narratives
Such narratives may target Roma and Traveller communities, Jewish communities, Muslim communities, migrants and persons with a migration background, LGBTI persons and other groups of concern.
Democratic impact
Addressing hateful and discriminatory narratives is essential not only for protecting those directly targeted, but also for safeguarding equality, democratic participation and social cohesion.
Key themes
The seminar will explore a number of key themes through plenary sessions, parallel discussions and action-oriented exchanges, focusing on people and communities particularly exposed to hateful or discriminatory political narratives.
Racism against Roma and Travellers in politics and public discourse
Examining how anti-Roma and anti-Traveller narratives contribute to stereotypes, hate and discrimination, and how equality bodies can help counter them.
Antisemitism in politics and public discourse
Addressing antisemitic rhetoric, conspiracy narratives, stereotyping and Holocaust denial or distortion in contemporary political and other public debates.
Anti-Muslim racism in politics and public discourse
Exploring anti-Muslim narratives in debates on migration and national security, identity or cohesion.
Xenophobia in politics and public discourse
Examining narratives targeting migrants and persons with a migration background, including in debates on welfare and national security or identity.
LGBTI-phobia in politics and public discourse
Considering how hostile narratives affect LGBTI persons in politics, in the media, and online, and how equality bodies can respond constructively.
Draft Programme
The Annual Seminar will take place over two days. The first day will focus on scapegoating in politics and public discourse, while the second day will move from analysis to practical action, including communication tools, follow-up discussion and possible shared commitments.
Scapegoating in Politics and Public Discourse: How Division Is Instrumentalised?
From analysis to practical action
Materials
Background note
Background information and analytical material prepared to support the discussions during the seminar.
Open documentPresentations and speeches
Presentations, speeches and other contributions shared by speakers and participants.
Open materials