How a small organisation can impact significant policy change

Doing the un-thinkable

In the nineties, the EU lacked a mandate to act on migration and related issues of integration and anti-discrimination. Many governments and non-governmental stakeholders did not see the need for it. As a result, there was neither an infrastructure nor a budget for European cooperation on migration issues. MPG positioned itself as a Brussels-based non government organisation (NGO), free from affiliations and governed by a small board. It was to become known as a ‘think and do’ tank.  MPG’s challenge was to establish itself as a neutral think-and-do-tank, fostering substantive discussions and policy-oriented research that engaged with governmental, non-governmental and – quite exceptionally at the time- private sector stakeholders.

Communication networks

At that time, the internet was not yet on the horizon. To gather and disseminate information MPG published the monthly news sheet the Migration News Sheet. It defied the lack of transparency of European policymaking and raised awareness of what was going on in Europe. The News Sheet relied on partners in different European countries as sources of key inside information of what was happening on the ground. This foundation of strong, cross-Europe communication laid the groundwork for MPG’s future partnerships. It pioneered bringing stakeholders together, for example at roundtables, on pressing migration and related issues during which MPG developed comparative perspectives for policy change.

Concrete proposals

Instead of criticizing existing policies (or the absence of them), MPG  formulated concrete proposals for EU anti-discrimination legislation.  This had not been done by an NGO at the European -evel before. Examples of these proposals included  the Starting Line and the Amsterdam Proposals—both of which were drawn up after extensive consultations with practitioners and advice from academics.

Consultations like these became common practice for MPG and enabled policy recommendations that were specific and achievable.  Emphasizing against a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, MPG advocated for tailored policies, recognizing the unique situations of different migrant groups.

Campaigning for support

MPG rallied support for the Starting Line, gaining buy-in from approximately 450 organisations and the European Parliament. It re-focused anti-racism debates to focus on concrete legislative measures and used a non-confrontational style. The success of this approach became apparent once the EU’s mandate was expanded. When the EU Commission presented its proposals for EU anti-discrimination law, they showed striking similarities with the Starting Line. In 2000, the EU finally adopted robust anti-discrimination legislation along these lines. While that was happening, MPG channeled its broad support into creating the European Network against Racism, which still exists today.

Implementation, research and capacity

After the adoption of EU anti-discrimination law, MPG launched a research project on its  implementation. The project demonstrated what EU member states had to do to correctly implement  EU anti-discrimination law at national level. This research developed into  work commissioned and financed by the EU Commission and for which MPG set up a network of academics that produced numerous country and thematic reports and a law review. This policy-relevant research provided guidance for changing national anti-discrimination policies and law in accordance with EU law. This Network is still going strong.  In addition, numerous training seminars were organised on how to use anti-discrimination legislation.  Participants included hundreds of lawyers, judges, NGOs and officials.   MPG also initiated the creation of a powerful and ongoing network of equality bodies, which supports victims of discrimination.